Validating a new algorithm to measure daily energy expenditure in people with movement limitations
Official title: Validating a New Machine-Learned Accelerometer Algorithm Using Doubly Labeled Water
Run by University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee · NCT05736302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device that measures how much energy people with movement limitations use in a day to see if it's more accurate than the current methods.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 125 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 14, 2023 |
| Main results expected | August 28, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05736302 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who can ambulate independently and have access to a smartphone and computer.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are wheelchair reliant, use assistive walking devices, or have uncontrolled hypertension or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to validate a machine-learned accelerometer algorithm designed to estimate total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in adults with movement disorders. The current algorithms are inadequate for individuals with functional limitations, so this study will compare the new algorithm's accuracy against the doubly labeled water technique, a gold standard for measuring TDEE. Approximately 125 adults will participate, undergoing physical assessments, metabolic rate examinations, and wearing accelerometers for data collection over 8-10 days.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more accurate method for assessing energy expenditure in individuals with movement limitations, leading to better-targeted physical activity interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success in validating algorithms for energy expenditure measurement, but this specific approach for individuals with movement limitations is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * must be 18+ years of age * be able to ambulate on own, unassisted, on a regular basis * speak and read English * must have access to a working smart phone and a computer with internet access Exclusion Criteria: * wheelchair reliant * assistive walking device reliant (cannot walk for at least 50 feet without an assistive device) * diagnosed uncontrolled hypertension (above 160/100 mgHg) * diagnosed cognitive impairment or inability to follow study procedures such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia * cannot take metabolic altering medications * cannot be pregnant * cannot be breastfeeding * cannot use supplemental oxygen * cannot completed required study activities for any reason * cannot have a resting heart rate \> 100 bpm or a resting blood pressure \> 160 mgHg during Visit 1 * cannot weigh more than 450 lbs
Where it's running
-
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Scott Strath, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- Study coordinator: Katharine O'Connell Valuch
- Email: oconnell@uwm.edu
- Phone: 414-229-4115
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Characterization of Within-Individual Resting Metabolic Rate Over 12 Weeks
This study tests how an individual's resting metabolic rate varies when measured repeatedly over 12 weeks in healthy adults to understand true biology vs. measurement noise.
-
Energy cost and metabolic effort of mat and equipment Pilates in adults 60 and older
This study tests how many calories Pilates burns and how hard the body works during mat and equipment-based Pilates in adults aged 60+ compared with walking.
-
Looking at blood markers linked to bone, muscle, and energy metabolism
This project will look at past blood tests from adults to see if specific bone turnover and formation markers relate to muscle function and energy metabolism.
-
Ketone supplements and insulin sensitivity in overweight older adults
This study will test whether an oral ketone supplement, given with or without growth hormone, can improve insulin sensitivity and energy use in overweight adults aged 55–70.
-
Developing algorithms to restore complex movement after paralysis using non-invasive sensors in healthy volunteers
This project tests whether signals from non-invasive sensors worn by healthy volunteers can train algorithms to control computers or assistive devices that might help people with paralysis.
-
Measuring energy needs during rehabilitation
This project will try to use metabolic measurements and machine learning to predict calorie needs for adults recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or major surgery.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.