Influence of grade and pace on pedometer accuracy during treadmill walking

Abstract

This study examined the INFLUENCE OF INCLINE and pace on pedometer accuracy during treadmill walking. Healthy, active adults (N=31, 15 males; 16 females) completed 12x5-min bouts of treadmill walking in a randomized order at two paces (self-determined and forced) and six inclines (0-5%) while wearing a pedometer (YAMAX DigiWalker SW-700). Pedometer accuracy (actual vs. registered steps) and pedometer error (% difference between actual and registered steps) were examined by repeated measures ANOVA with gender as a between factor. Stride length was similar for males and females. There was no significant influence of incline on the number of registered steps. Registered steps were significantly greater for forced pace compared with self-determined pace. Pedometer error was significantly greater for self-determined walking at 0% (overestimated, p<0.05) compared with all other walking bouts. A significant main effect was found for gender with males registering less steps that females (556 30 vs. 581 30, p<0.05), while females registered greater error compared with males (17.2 6.8% vs. 9.0 13.2%, p<0.05). The current study demonstrated that pedometer step count is not significantly influenced by inclines up to 5% and that gender influences on pedometer step count should be considered during assessment of walking physical activity.