Comparison of Accelerometer and Pedometer Measures of Physical Activity in Boys and Girls, Ages 8–10 Years

Abstract

Accelerometers record total physical activity and time spent at different intensities. Pedometers indicate total activity only. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between pedometer counts and attainment of > 60 min of moderate activity. Thirty-four children, ages 8 –10 years, wore a Tritrac accelerometer and Yamax pedometer. Published recommendations of steps per day were compared to attainment of > 60 min moderate activity. Boys who accumulated 13,000 steps.d^-1 and girls who accumulated 12,000 steps.d^-1 engaged in > 60 min moderate activity. However, 23% of boys and 15% of girls did not reach the pedometer thresholds but did engage in > 60 min moderate activity. In conclusion, these pedometer thresholds provide a reasonable estimation when assessment of physical activity intensity is not possible

Key words:

• gufidelines
• moderate activity
• Tritrac
• Yamax Digi-Walker

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Roger G. Eston

Please address all correspondence concerning this article to Roger Eston, Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, St. Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK.