ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF TEN ELECTRONIC PEDOMETERS FOR MEASURING STEPS
PATRICK L. SCHNEIDER, Scott Edward Crouter, Olivera Lukajic, David R. Bassett · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · 2003
The electronic pedometer/step counter has become increasingly popular as a tool for objectively monitoring physical activity. However, given the diversity in the cost, mechanism, and sensitivity among pedometer brands, there is considerable potential for variability in accuracy. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of the following electronic pedometers: Freestyle Pacer Pro (FR), Kenz Lifecorder (KZ), New Lifestyles NL-2000 (NL), Omron HJ-105 (OM), Oregon Scientific PE316CA (OR), Sportline 330 (SL330) and 345 (SL345), Walk4Life LS 2525 (WL), Yamasa Skeletone EM-180 (SK), and the Yamax Digi-Walker SW-701 (DW). METHODS Ten males (34.7 ± 12.6 yrs), (mean ± SD), and ten females (43.1 ± 19.9 yrs) ranging in BMI from 19.8 to 33.6 kg·m−2 walked a 400 meter lap around an outdoor track while wearing two pedometers of the same brand (one on the right and left sides of the body) for each of ten brands. Four pedometers of each brand were assessed in this fashion. The actual steps taken were tallied by a researcher. RESULTS The KZ, NL, and DW were the most accurate in counting steps. In contrast, the SL330 and the OR were the least accurate in counting steps. The interdevice reliability coefficient within a single brand was > .80 in all pedometers with the exception of the SL330. The interdevice reliability coefficient was exceptionally high (> .99) in the KZ, OM, NL, and the DW. The average self-selected walking speed was 96.5 m·min−1 and ranged from 77.3 to 114.9 m·min−1. CONCLUSION Due to the variation that exists among brands in regard to the cost, mechanism, and sensitivity, not all pedometers count steps accurately. Thus, it is important for researchers who are using pedometers to assess physical activity levels to be aware of the accuracy and reliability of their instruments.