A novel actigraphy data analysis tool and its application to identifying the optimal threshold value in three subject populations.

Most actigraphy devices use different analysis methods and a non-standardized threshold value to estimate sleep/wake status and identify rest intervals. To address limitations of these approaches, a new algorithm was developed that makes no assumptions about sleep/wake status, objectively selects an optimal threshold for different populations, and provides mathematical endpoints to more fully describe the activity patterns of subjects. The optimal threshold (cts min(-1)) is defined as the value that maximizes the duration of the rest period while minimizing the inclusion of epochs from the active period.