The Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy of Using a Wireless Pedometer to Improve the Activity Level in a Cohort of Nurses.

Abstract

This study had two aims: (1) to test the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of using a wireless pedometer in a cohort of nurses; and (2) to understand if wireless pedometer use increased number of steps walked, number of flights of stairs climbed, daily activity level, and improved personal perception of health. This study used a nonexperimental exploratory design to test the feasibility and efficacy of using a wireless pedometer in a cohort of nurses. Pre- and posttest measures captured the number of steps walked, flights of stairs climbed, activity level, and perception of health. Sample characteristics: 27 females, 3 males; 90% non-Hispanic Caucasian, 3% Hispanic; 47% between the ages of 55 and 65 years. Eighty percent of the participants reported that they were caregivers of other people. There was a significant increase from baseline to the end of the study in the following measures: self-perception of steps walked ( p < .001), flights of stairs climbed ( p < .005), self-perception of daily activity ( p < .001), and although there was an improvement in self-perception of health, the change was not significant. The wireless pedometer was a feasible, safe, and efficacious device to use. This study may have implications for interventions aimed at improving caregiver health.