The Effect of Pedometers as a Motivational Tool for Elementary Physical Education Students

Abstract

Pedometers have been used to measure, assess, motivate, and encourage physical activity. They are used to count steps, estimate distance, and even predict caloric expenditure, which permits an evaluation of activity level. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine if pedometer use can modify the behavior of third grade students to cover more distance during two physical fitness tests. METHODS: Eighty-two third grade students (40 male, 42 female; age: 8.5 ± .53 yrs; height: 131 ± 5.8 cm; body mass: 33.8 ± 9.9 kg.) participated in familiarization trials and two pre-tests: a one minute, 7-meter back and forth sprint for distance (SPRINT), and a step-up test (STEP) on a 16 cm high floor mat. Test reliability was performed. Students were randomly assigned to Group P (pedometer group) or Group C (control group). Group P were provided electronic pedometers on physical education class days. Group P recorded their number of steps at the end of class, and at the end of the day. Group C received the same scholastic stimulus as Group P, but without pedometers. All students attended physical education class 3 times/week; 30 minutes/ class. After four weeks of intervention, the initial tests were repeated as the post-tests. RESULTS: Statistical analysis by t-test (P<.05) revealed no significant difference in SPRINT, with a significant difference in STEP for Group P. Conversely, Group C indicated no significant difference in STEP, but only a significant difference in SPRINT. Statistical analysis by ANOVA (P<.05) indicated a significant change in STEP between groups (3.4% Group P and −.5% Group C). The SPRINT test scores were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Since both P and C received identical class activities, unless students participate in extracurricular exercise, the four weeks of class were insufficient to produce marked improvement in aerobic performance. The intervention group revealed a 10.6% increase in STEP test performance. The use of pedometers in conjunction with the format of the STEP test may, in part, provide sufficient motivation for improved test performance.