Summary
Accelerometers have become a standard method of monitoring physical activity in everyday life by measuring acceleration in one, two, or three axes. These devices provide reliable and objective measurements of the duration and intensity of physical activity. We aimed to investigate whether patients undertake physical activity during non-supervised days during stationary rehabilitation and whether patients adhere to the rigor of 24 h monitoring. The second objective was to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of such kinds of sensors. The research enrolled 13 randomly selected patients, qualified for in-patient, 3 week, high-intensity, 5 times a week pulmonary rehabilitation. The SenseWear armband was used for the assessment of physical activity. Participants wore the device 24 h a day for the next 4 days (Friday-Monday). The analysis of the number of steps per day, the time spent lying as well as undertaking moderate or vigorous physical activity (>3 metabolic equivalents of task (METs)), and the energy expenditure expressed in kcal showed no statistically significant difference between the training days and the days off. It seems beneficial to use available physical activity sensors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); measurable parameters provide feedback that may increase the patient's motivation to be active to achieve health benefits.

Relevance
The article may be useful for training physiotherapy and nursing students or health care professionals in these fields.
Portable, lightweight, skin sensors mounted on the arm or wrist appear to provide adequate comfort and meaningful measurements to monitor and modify patient behavior to enhance adherence to health-enhancing patient behavior and increase activity level in everyday life. It is beneficial to use available physical activity monitors in patients with COPD, as measurable parameters provide feedback that may increase the patient’s motivation to be active to achieve health benefits.