Pedometer-determined Physical Activity Research Articles

Determinants of Meeting the Public Health Recommendations for Physical Activity Among Community-Dwelling Elderly Japanese

Background: Although regular physical activity can facilitate healthy aging, improve functional capacity, and prevent chronic diseases in the elderly, many of the Japanese elderly are not sufficiently active. Thus, examining the determinants is an important prerequisite for designing effective programs. The present study investigated the demographic, behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental determinants of meeting the national pedometer-determined physical activity recommendations for the elderly Japanese. Method: Data were analyzed for 137 community-dwelling elderly Japanese aged 70 to 89 years (47% male, mean age = 74.5 years), who completed a questionnaire and wore a pedometer. Demographic (gender, age, marital status), behavioral (BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption), psychosocial (self-efficacy, social support, health professional advice), and environmental (perceived neighborhood environment) variables were self-reported. Averaged daily steps were obtained using 1-year pedometer measurements. Based on the national physical activity recommendations in Japan (males: 6700 steps; females: 5900 steps), the participants were divided into two categories — sufficiently active and insufficiently active. An adjusted logistic regression model was utilized. Results: Totally, 47.4% of the participants (males: 51.5%; females: 43.8%) met the national recommendations. When adjusting for all other variables, a higher self-efficacy for exercise (AOR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.04-1.28) and positive perception of the neighborhood environment (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.03-1.98) significantly influenced the meeting of the national recommendations. Conclusions: The findings clarified the need to identify effective intervention strategies to promote physical activity and suggest that an intervention design that accounts for these determinants may more effectively promote physical activity among the elderly Japanese. Keywords: Determinants, elderly, objectively measured physical activity, perceived neighborhood environment, public health, Pedometer, Ecological Model, Longevity, Behavioral Change, Step Counts, Behavioral Epidemiology, Social Support, Self-Efficacy, Correlates, Older Adults

Determinants of Meeting the Public Health Recommendations for Physical Activity Among Community-Dwelling Elderly Japanese

Although regular physical activity can facilitate healthy aging, improve functional capacity, and prevent chronic diseases in the elderly, many of the Japanese elderly are not sufficiently active. Thus, examining the determinants is an important prerequisite for designing effective programs. The present study investigated the demographic, behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental determinants of meeting the national pedometer-determined physical activity recommendations for the elderly Japanese. Data were analyzed for 137 community-dwelling elderly Japanese aged 70 to 89 years (47% male, mean age = 74.5 years), who completed a questionnaire and wore a pedometer. Demographic (gender, age, marital status), behavioral (BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption), psychosocial (self-efficacy, social support, health professional advice), and environmental (perceived neighborhood environment) variables were self-reported. Averaged daily steps were obtained using 1-year pedometer measurements. Based on the national physical activity recommendations in Japan (males: 6700 steps; females: 5900 steps), the participants were divided into two categories - sufficiently active and insufficiently active. An adjusted logistic regression model was utilized. Totally, 47.4% of the participants (males: 51.5%; females: 43.8%) met the national recommendations. When adjusting for all other variables, a higher self-efficacy for exercise (AOR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.04-1.28) and positive perception of the neighborhood environment (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.03-1.98) significantly influenced the meeting of the national recommendations. The findings clarified the need to identify effective intervention strategies to promote physical activity and suggest that an intervention design that accounts for these determinants may more effectively promote physical activity among the elderly Japanese.

Benefits of pedometer-measured habitual physical activity in healthy women

This cross-sectional study aimed at (i) characterizing pedometer-determined physical activity and (ii) examining its associations with dietary intake and anthropometric and metabolic profile in healthy women. Anthropometric and metabolic profile was evaluated in 68 healthy women of reproductive age. Habitual physical activity was assessed using a pedometer for 6 consecutive days, including weekends. Participants were stratified into active and inactive according to the mean steps·day(-1) (≥6000 and <6000, respectively). Food consumption was evaluated by 24-h recall in a subsample of 35 participants. Thirty-eight women were defined as active and had significantly lower body mass index (BMI), fat percentage, waist circumference, sum of skinfold thickness, insulin, and HOMA than the sedentary group. Mean BMI was 27 kg·m(-2) (overweight) in active participants and 31 kg·m(-2) (class I obesity) in inactive participants. Active women consumed more carbohydrates (55.5% ± 9.4% vs. 46.3% ± 7.6%) and calories (2138 ± 679 vs. 1664 ± 558 kcal), and less protein (15.4% ± 4.2% vs. 19.9% ± 5.8%) and lipids (29.0% ± 7.2% vs. 33.8% ± 6.2%) than inactive individuals (p < 0.05). Fiber, cholesterol, and fatty acid intake was similar in both groups. The number of steps was lower on Sunday than on weekdays for the overall group. Using a pedometer for 3 days was sufficient to determine habitual physical activity (sensitivity: 94%; specificity 91% vs. 6 days of pedometer use). In the present study, nonstructured physical activity was associated with more adequate dietary consumption and contributed toward a healthier anthropometric and metabolic profile in young women, despite the high prevalence of overweight.

Physical Activity of Children Attending Afterschool Programs: Research- and Practice-Based Implications

Afterschool programs (3PM-6PM; ASPs) are positioned to play a vital role in the improvement of children's daily physical activity. Recent guidelines specify that children should accumulate 4600 steps per day while attending an ASP. The extent to which ASPs currently meet this goal and how many steps per day children naturally accumulate within the ASP setting is unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the pedometer-determined physical activity of a large sample of children attending a diverse range of ASPs and evaluate the extent to which ASPs are meeting current physical activity guidelines. Children (N=934, 51% girls, average 8.2 years; range 4-14 years) enrolled across 25 ASPs wore Walk4Life MVPa pedometers (number of steps accumulated, time spent active [hours:minutes:seconds]) up to 4 days. Data were collected in fall/spring 2010-2011 and analyzed in summer 2011. On average, children attended ASPs for 125 minutes per day, accumulated 2944 steps per day, and spent approximately 26.6 minutes per day in physical activity. Only 16.5% of the 1819 daily observations met the 4600 steps per day guideline. No differences in steps per day, minutes per day in physical activity, or demographics were observed among children measured a single day versus 2, 3, or 4 days. Based on current practice, children would need to spend approximately 3.4 hours per day at an ASP to reach 4600 steps per day. Activity levels in ASPs are well below recommendations. Substantial effort is needed to identify strategies ASPs can employ to ensure children are sufficiently active.

Promoting physical activity in sedentary elderly Malays with type 2 diabetes: a protocol for randomised controlled trial

IntroductionLike many countries Malaysia is facing an increase in the number of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus diabetes (T2DM) and modifiable lifestyle factors such as sedentary behaviour are important...

Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity of Western Kenyan Children

It is speculated that rural Kenyan children are more physically active than those in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to examine pedometer-measured physical activity levels of western Kenyan youth. Participants in this study were children in Levels 3 and 5 who attended a private primary school. The sample (n = 72) consisted of 43 girls and 29 boys (average age = 9.8 ± 1.1, range = 8-12 years). Age, gender, tribe, and height and weight measures were collected. Weight status category was determined according to CDC guidelines. Participants wore a sealed Yamax pedometer for 4 weekdays during the measurement period. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and 2-way ANOVA (age × gender). The total sample averaged 14558 ± 3993 daily steps. There was no significant effect for age [F(4,68) = 1.682, P = .102] nor significant age × gender interaction [F(4,68)=1.956, P = .117]. There was a significant effect for gender [F(1,68) = 4.791, P = .033], with boys (16262 ± 4698) significantly more active than girls (13463 ± 3051). The observed daily steps are higher than those observed in the U.S., similar to samples in other developed countries, but lower than Amish youth.

BMI-Referenced Cut-Points for Recommended Daily Pedometer-Determined Steps in Australian Children and Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to establish sex-specific criterion-referenced standards for pedometer-determined physical activity related to body mass index (BMI)-defined weight status among youth. We analyzed data from 7-16-year-old boys (n = 338) and girls (n = 337) and used pedometer-assessed physical activity and anthropometric data to derive average steps/day and BMI. Sex-specific criterion-referenced standards for steps/day relating to healthy weight and overweight/obese were determined using the contrasting groups method. Healthy weight children took more steps/day than overweight or obese (boys: 14,413 vs. 12,088, and girls: 12,562 vs. 10,114, respectively; p < .001). The optimal BMI-referenced cut-point emerging from our sample was 16,000 steps/day for both boys and girls. Our results and those reported elsewhere suggest that youth take insufficient pedometer-determined steps/day to avoid becoming overweight.

Correlates of pedometer-measured and self-reported physical activity among young Australian adults

Accurately quantifying physical activity is important for investigating relations with potential correlates, but past studies have mostly relied on self-report measures, which may be susceptible to error and biases, limiting interpretability. This study aimed to examine correlates of pedometer-determined physical activity and compare them with correlates of self-reported physical activity. Cross-sectional data were taken from 2017 Australian adults (aged 26–36 years) who were involved in the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health follow-up study during 2004–2006. Daily steps were recorded for seven days using Yamax pedometers and physical activity (total min/week) was reported via the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Demographic, biological, behavioral, psychological, social and environmental factors were assessed. Lower education, blue collar occupation and higher mental health score (men) and low-moderate alcohol intake (women) were positively associated with self-report and pedometer-measured activity. Among men, body mass index (BMI) was inversely and physical health score was positively associated with pedometer-measured activity while smoking, low to moderate alcohol intake, higher general health and urban area of residence were positively associated with self-reported activity. Among women, age and general health status were positively associated and number of live births inversely associated with pedometer-measured activity, while lower education, blue collar occupation, part time employment, smoking, diet, higher physical health score and higher mental health score were positively associated and white collar occupation inversely associated with self-reported activity. Many physical activity correlates differed depending on the measure employed; researchers should be mindful of these differences when selecting measures of physical activity.

Measurement Effects of Seasonal and Monthly Variability on Pedometer-Determined Data

The seasonal and monthly variability of pedometer-determined physical activity and its effects on accurate measurement have not been examined. The purpose of the study was to reduce measurement error in step-count data by controlling a) the length of the measurement period and b) the season or month of the year in which sampling was conducted. Twenty-three middle-aged adults were instructed to wear a Yamax SW-200 pedometer over 365 consecutive days. The step-count measurement periods of various lengths (eg, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, etc.) were randomly selected 10 times for each season and month. To determine accurate estimates of yearly step-count measurement, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and bias were calculated. The year-round average was considered as a criterion measure. A smaller MAPE and bias represent a better estimate. Differences in MAPE and bias among seasons were trivial; however, they varied among different months. The months in which seasonal changes occur presented the highest MAPE and bias. Targeting the data collection during certain months (eg, May) may reduce pedometer measurement error and provide more accurate estimates of year-round averages.

Functional Performance, Mobility-Related Self-efficacy, and Physical Activity In Older, Overweight and Obese Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of functional limitations and activity restriction among older adults. Being overweight or obese may exacerbate the risk of functional decline and inactivity among knee OA patients. However, it has yet to be determined if risk of functional decline and inactivity differs as a function of weight status among older, knee OA patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine differences in functional performance, mobility-related self-efficacy, and objectively measured physical activity among overweight, obese, and morbidly obese older adults with knee OA. METHODS: Seventy-one (58 women and 13 men; M age = 63 years) knee OA patients classified as overweight (n=20), obese (n=36) or morbidly obese (n=13) completed assessments of 400 meter walk performance, mobility-related self-efficacy (SE), and pedometer-determined physical activity (PA). RESULTS: Results of univariate ANCOVA analyses controlling for age revealed that morbidly obese participants demonstrated significantly worse 400 meter walk time (p < 0.01), lower mobility-related SE (p < 0.01), and engaged in less PA (p < 0.01) compared to overweight or obese participants. Obese patients also participated in significantly less PA (p < 0.05) relative to participants classified as overweight. Results of partial correlation analyses controlling for age also revealed that 400 meter walk time was inversely correlated with mobility-related SE (r = -.65; p < 0.01) and pedometer-determined PA (r = -.50; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that risk for functional decline and inactivity increases as a function of weight status among older knee OA patients. Morbidly obese patients demonstrated the least favorable functional performance, mobility-related SE, and PA. The results also demonstrate that worse functional performance is associated with lower mobility-related SE and PA participation. Collectively, the present findings indicate benefits of lower weight for both mobility self-efficacy and objective functional performance among older adults with knee OA. Supported by NIH/NIAMS R21 AR054595

Short-Term Changes In Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity In Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: Evidence From The IMPACT-P Trial

For older adults diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), physical activity (PA) is an efficacious adjuvant treatment approach that consistently results in meaningful improvements in physical function and quality of life. Despite the established benefits of PA, successfully promoting maintenance of regular PA participation remains a daunting challenge that frequently undermines the efficacy of interventions targeting knee OA patients. PURPOSE: The Improving Maintenance of Physical Activity - Pilot (IMPACT-P) is a single-blind, randomized controlled pilot trial designed to determine the comparable efficacy of traditional exercise training (TRAD) and a group-mediated cognitive behavioral exercise intervention (GMCB) in producing increased physical activity participation in older, knee OA patients. METHODS: Fifty-five knee OA patients (M age = 63 years) were randomly assigned to GMCB (n = 28) or TRAD (n = 27) interventions. Measurement of pedometer-determined PA was obtained at baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments. RESULTS: Results of an intention to treat analyses involving a 2 (Intervention) × 2 (Time) ANCOVA controlling for age yielded a significant Intervention × Time interaction (p < 0.01). Post hoc analyses revealed that pedometer-determined PA increased significantly from baseline in the GMCB intervention (d =.31) whereas a non-significant change (d = -.05) was observed following the TRAD intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings demonstrate that the GMCB intervention produced superior short-term improvement in objectively-measured PA participation relative to a standardized approach to exercise training among older, knee OA patients. These results suggest that an exercise intervention designed to provide training and practice in activity-related behavioral self-regulatory skills may augment the short-term maintenance of PA participation beyond that observed with a traditional exercise training approach among older, knee OA patients. Accordingly, the differences in objectively-determined PA observed in IMPACT-P may have valuable implications for the design and delivery of future interventions targeting the promotion of PA participation in older, knee OA patients. Supported by NIH/NIAMS R21 AR054595

Sociodemographic Determinants of Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity Among Japanese Adults

Although previous studies have reported physical activity and its sociodemographic determinants using self-report measures, there have been few studies using pedometers. To ascertain pedometer-determined physical activity and its sociodemographic determinants among community residents living in four Japanese cities. A cross-sectional mail survey was conducted from February 2007 to January 2008 with a sample of 4000 residents (aged 20-69 years and 50% male) who were randomly selected from the registry of residential addresses. Complete responses for both questionnaire and pedometer were obtained from 790 residents (48.3±13.7 years, 46.7% male). Associations of 11 sociodemographic variables with steps per day were examined using multiple logistic regression analyses. Data were analyzed in 2010. Men averaged 8763±3497 steps/day and women averaged 8242±3277 steps/day. Further, 29.0% of men and 27.8% of women walked ≥10,000 steps/day. City of residence, good self-rated health, low educational attainment, and not owning a car were associated with taking ≥10,000 steps/day in men, whereas employed status and dog ownership were associated with walking ≥10,000 steps/day in women. The results contribute to understanding of step-defined physical activity and its sociodemographic determinants. A diversity of step counts by sociodemographic variables clarifies specific populations among Japanese who are in need of intervention to promote physical activity.

Children's Step Counts on Weekend, Physical Education, and Non-Physical Education Days

Children's Step Counts on Weekend, Physical Education, and Non-Physical Education Days There have been well-documented increases in overweight and obese children, sedentary lifestyles, and increased prevalence of a hypokinetic disease over the past 20 years. Thus understanding the physical activity patterns of children is essential for developing effective interventions. Little evidence exists that illustrates the contribution of weekend, physical education, and non-physical education days to overall physical activity patterns of children. The purpose of the study was to examine differences in pedometer-determined physical activity patterns of fourth and fifth grade children during weekend, physical education and non-physical education days. Three hundred and sixty-three children (8-11 years old) from six Southwestern USA elementary schools participated by wearing pedometers (Yamax Digiwalker SW-200) for seven consecutive days. Children recorded their steps at arrival to school and when they woke up and went to bed on weekend days. During weekdays, the fourth and fifth grade children averaged 13,196 ± 3,334 and 11,295 ± 3,168 steps/day for boys and girls, respectively. This is compared to a weekend average of 7,660 ± 4,647steps/day (boys) and 7,317 ± 4,062 steps/day (girls). Children were significantly more active on physical education days, averaging 12,979 steps/day (14,197 ± 4,697 steps/day for boys and 12,058 ± 3,772 steps/day for girls),compared to non-physical education school days, when they accumulated 11,809 steps/day (12,788 ± 3,600 steps/day for boys and 11,047 ± 3,382 steps/day for girls). Based on the findings in this study, children and youth are more active during school days than on weekend days. Furthermore, children are more active on physical education days than non-physical education days. These findings suggest that increased physical activity programming and interventions during weekend days may be needed to increase physical activity. The expansion of school-based physical education across more school days may also serve to increase children's physical activity during the school week.

The relationship between pedometer-determined physical activity, body mass index and lean body mass index in children

To cross-sectionally assess weekend to weekday variation of physical activity in British children and to consider the role of Body Mass Index (BMI, W/H(2)) and Lean Body Mass Index (LBMI, H(2)/W) when examining this issue. A total of 496 children aged 8-14 years, were measured for height and weight and the activity levels were analysed using pedometers to measure mean step counts for 4 consecutive days (2 weekdays, 2 weekend days). Boys had significantly lower BMI than girls. Higher values for average weekend steps were associated with lower BMI values. BMI values were; however, found to be positively skewed but when the analysis was repeated using LBMI, data was normally distributed and the conclusions remained the same. Weekday steps are higher than weekend steps for children irrespective of gender or weight status. Mean steps taken during weekend days are significantly associated with reduced BMI in children. These findings may be questioned because BMI is highly skewed and not normally distributed. However, LBMI provides a suitable alternative that is normally distributed and can be used to compare the relationship between weight status and physical activity.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Youth Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity

Objective measurement with body worn instrumentation is a preferred and increasingly common way to gather information about young people's physical activity. Measured samples have been typically small and recruited through schools. The purpose of this article was to present the descriptive epidemiology of children and youth pedometer-determined physical activity on the basis of a large national sample. Children and youth (19,789) were recruited through random digit dialing. Participants were asked to wear the pedometer for seven consecutive days and to log daily steps. Of the 58% of participants who returned pedometer data, 95% wore the pedometer for at least 5 d. Daily step counts below 1000 or above 30,000 steps were truncated accordingly, and all values were included in the descriptive analysis. Boys and girls aged 5-19 yr took 12,259 and 10,906 steps per day, respectively. Daily steps were higher among boys than girls and declined by age group in a pattern consistent with that predicted by other smaller samples internationally. Weekday steps per day were generally higher than weekend day steps per day and varied by season. This study demonstrates the viability of using relatively inexpensive pedometers and methods for the surveillance of young people's physical activity. The resulting descriptive data provide key information regarding the population distribution of pedometer-determined physical activity that may be useful for identifying target groups for population strategies and other interventions.

A Step in the Right Direction: Commentary on Expected Values for Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity in Youth

A Step in the Right Direction: Commentary on Expected Values for Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity in Youth

Response to "A Step in the Right Direction: Commentary on Expected Values for Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity in Youth"

The figure Beets took exception to displays sex‐ and age‐specific median values of aggregated published expected values for pedometer determined physical activity.

Sex Differences in Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity Within First Semester First Year College Students

Sex Differences in Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity Within First Semester First Year College Students

Steps to Better Cardiovascular Health: How Many Steps Does It Take to Achieve Good Health and How Confident Are We in This Number?

Pedometers and other types of step-counting devices are growing in popularity with both researchers and practitioners. The focus of this article is on describing the most recent pedometer-related advances in terms of cardiovascular health. The emergent body of evidence suggests that pedometer-determined physical activity is related to a number of cardiovascular health outcomes and that intervention participants can realize modest changes in body mass index and blood pressure. Taking into consideration individual baseline values, tailored messages congruent with public health recommendations should promote incremental increases in steps/day on the order of an extra 3,000 to 4,000 (approximately 30 min) of at least moderate intensity and taken in at least 10-minute bouts. Additional health benefits accrue with greater increases. Of course, even more benefits are possible from engaging in vigorous physical activity, but this seems less appealing for most people. Pedometer-based guidelines are not intended to supplant existing public health recommendations, but rather supplement them.

Does a Six-Month Pedometer Intervention Improve Physical Activity and Health Among Vulnerable African Americans? A Feasibility Study

Race/ethnic-specific physical activity patterns and biological responses to physical activity is one of the most understudied, yet critical aspects related to the development and adoption of physical activity recommendations. In this 6-month community walking intervention targeting African Americans, participants wore a pedometer and maintained a pedometer diary for the study duration. Outcome measures included height, weight, percent body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids and glucose. ANOVA, Pearson Correlations, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine changes in steps/day over each month of the intervention and explore associations among pedometer-determined physical activity and anthropometric/biological change scores from month 1 to 6. The 83 participants were primarily African American (98%) women (94%). There was a significant increase in the average step/day beginning with 6665 (SD = 3396) during month 1 and increasing to 9232 (SD = 3670) steps/day during month 6 (F = 4.5, P < .0001). Associations among step counts and anthropometric/biological change scores were not significant. While this intervention resulted in significant increases in steps/day; it exemplifies that physical activity standards may be unachievable for some vulnerable, minority communities. Methodological considerations for exploring associations between changes in pedometer-determined step counts and anthropometric/biological outcomes are emphasized through this study.