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Int J Sports Med 1980; 01(2): 95-97
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1034639
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Adjustment of Pedometers to Make Them More Valid in Assessing Running

R. Verschuur, H. C. G. Kemper
  • University of Amsterdam
This study is part of a research project “Growth and Health of Teenagers,” supported by grants from the Praeventiefonds (Prevention Fund) and S.V.O. (Foundation for Educational Research), both in The Hague (The Netherlands) (project No. 0255).
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Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

To increase the validity of pedometers in assessing the energy expenditure of walking and running activities, then sensitivity was reduced to a level where normal walking (up to 6 km · h-1) would no longer be registered and running (from 6 km · h-1 on) would.

Actual step rate on a treadmill and scores on two types of mechanical pedometers (German and Russian), attached to the waist, were compared in boys 12 to 18 years of age. In walking at 4 and 6 km · h-1, actual step rate is largely underestimated, deviations ranging from 83% to 98% (SD varying from 7.0 to 24.7).

In running, actual step rate is accurately measured with deviations ranging from +1.9% to -2.4% (SD varying from 1.6 to 8.6).

The two types of pedometers show identical results. It can be concluded that pedometers reduced in sensitivity do not register during walking with normal speed. However, they do reflect actual step rate during running fairly well.

Key Words

mechanical pedometer - actual step rate - treadmill - oxygen uptake