Pedometers

A pedometer or step counter records the number of steps taken
placement
- usually worn on belt or waistband
- midline of thigh
- left or right -> consistency
- also wrist, ankle or shoe
outcomes
- number of steps
- distance (stride length)
- calories (sum of EE per step)
Mechanism
- spring levered (e.g. Digiwalker)
- Piezo-electric
Common research devices
Common consumer devices
Pros
- Accurate
- Inexpensive
- Low participant burden
- Extended periods of monitoring possible
- 10000 step guideline (goal setting)
Cons
- Only ambulatory activities
- Less accurate for distance (constant stride length)
- Less accurate for EE
- No distinction between running, walking or stair climbing
- Validity compromised in
- Obese, frail older individuals, gait abnormalities