This study sought to test the validity of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to measure indoor stair walking. RFID and Bluetooth sensors (accelerometers with the proximity function) were placed at landings across three floors within a stairwell. Participants (n = 29) were randomized to stair walking or sedentary control and concomitantly wore RFID tags at the hip, chest and neck. An accelerometer worn at the hip captured criterion physical activity data. RFID devices detected sedentary control and stair walking participants (mean RFID detections: 15.50, 47.33 respectively). Neck lanyard RFID tags were detected most frequently. RFID correctly classified all participants in both groups. RFID-based energy expenditure estimates were strongly correlated with accelerometer estimates (r = 0.78–0.94). Percent agreement for floor detection between the Bluetooth and RFID readers (38.6%) was consistent with known limitations of Bluetooth proximity sensing. It is concluded that, during self-paced stair walking in young adults, RFID devices provide valid data on participant movement and estimated energy expenditure.

本研究旨在测试射频识别 (RFID) 技术测量室内楼梯行走的有效性。RFID 和蓝牙传感器（具有接近功能的加速度计）被放置在楼梯井内三层楼的平台上。参与者（n = 29）被随机分配到楼梯行走或久坐控制组，并同时在臀部、胸部和颈部佩戴 RFID 标签。佩戴在臀部的加速度计捕获标准的身体活动数据。RFID 设备检测到久坐控制和走楼梯的参与者（平均 RFID 检测：分别为 15.50 和 47.33）。颈部挂绳 RFID 标签最常被检测到。RFID 正确分类了两组中的所有参与者。基于 RFID 的能量消耗估算与加速度计估算密切相关 (r = 0.78–0.94)。蓝牙和 RFID 阅读器之间地板检测的百分比一致性 (38.6%) 与蓝牙接近感应的已知限制一致。结论是，在年轻人自定步调楼梯行走期间，RFID 设备提供有关参与者运动和估计能量消耗的有效数据。