Tudor and Locke Pedometer Study

Question 1

How do pedometers measure steps?

Answer 1

They respond to vertical accelerations in the hip to count steps.

Question 2

Limitations of using pedometers to count steps

Answer 2

• Manufacturers regularly release new models of pedometers which makes it hard to make comparisons between populations.
• There is no standardized method of recording steps. What one pedometer may record as a step another may not.
• Research grade pedometers fail to respond to light steps.

Question 3

How many steps do people normally take?

Answer 3

typical adult = 5900 - 6900 daily steps
Traditional Amish adult who doesnt believe in modern lifestyles) = 14000 - 18000 daily steps

Question 4

How many steps/min are equivalent to moderate intensity PA?

Answer 4

100 steps per min minimum.

Question 5

How many steps/min are equivalent to vigorous intensity PA?

Answer 5

130 steps per day minimum.

Question 6

How many steps are the equivalent to public health recommendations of 150 mins/week of moderate intensity PA?

Answer 6

Should be taking 8900 - 9900 on 5 days of the week, 3000 @ moderate intensity.

Question 7

How many steps are the equivalent to public health recommendations of 75 mins/week of vigorous intensity PA?

Answer 7

Should be taking 9150-10150 on 3 days of the week, 3250 @ vigorous intensity.

Question 8

Key points that health practitioners should be aware of

Answer 8

• Incremental increases in steps achieve greatest improvements in weight, body fat, hip circumference and BMI
• Benefits come with prolonged adherence, going from doing nothing to loads is not sustainable.
• Combination of both moderate and vigorous intensity the most beneficial.