Research

Axivity sensors are used in epidemiology, clinical trials, and behavioural research. The devices produce open-format raw data with a published track record in peer-reviewed work.

Published record

1589

peer-reviewed publications have used Axivity sensors, across epidemiology, clinical research, sleep, and wearable computing.

1510 of the 1589 carry a DOI or a repository link, so the claim is checkable rather than asserted. The devices produce open-format raw data with no proprietary scoring step, which is what makes a result in this list reproducible from the signal up.

Fig. 1 Peer-reviewed publications per year, 2009–2026. Counted from the 1589 records in this site’s bibliography; 322 in the peak year. A year with no entry is drawn as an empty slot, not closed up.

Peer-reviewed publications per year, 2009 to 2026
Year	Publications
2009	1
2010	0
2011	5
2012	4
2013	20
2014	9
2015	16
2016	38
2017	37
2018	54
2019	84
2020	97
2021	120
2022	164
2023	215
2024	215
2025	322
2026	188

Browse the full bibliography

UK Biobank

In 2012 UK Biobank decided to add 7-day physical activity to the data collected from its participants. Through a tender and subsequent interview process, Axivity’s AX3 device was selected as the physical activity sensor. As well as being the most affordable choice for large cohort studies, the AX3 provides un-filtered actigraphy data, is fully open source, and easily deployed (and returned) by post. Axivity and UK Biobank have a close working relationship and are well on the way to collecting the World’s largest open physical activity dataset.

UK Biobank case study

Analysis areas

Axivity sensors are used across three principal research domains. Detailed capability notes for each area are in preparation.

Physical Activity: Objective measurement of physical activity in population cohorts, clinical trials, and longitudinal studies.
Sleep Tracking: Wrist-worn accelerometer recording for rest–activity analysis and circadian rhythm research.
Animal Behaviour: Multi-day activity logging for wildlife and captive animal behavioural studies.

Further case studies

Two more studies are recorded but not yet written up. They are listed so the gap is visible rather than implied.

ClimbAX: Performance · Awaiting copy from Axivity
INTERVAL Study: Clinical trials · Awaiting copy from Axivity