The AE120XL
Pedometer
A simple objective device to
measure physical activity in the
Strong Heart Family Study
Kristi L. Storti, MS, MPH
University of Pittsburgh
Graduate School of Public Health
Division of Physical Activity Epidemiology
Why Use A Pedometer to Assess
Physical Activity?
Correlate moderately with different
estimates of energy expenditure (median
r=0.49) (Bassett 2000)
ò Correlate strongly with different
accelerometers which are considered the
“gold standard” of objective activity
monitoring (median r=0.84-0.93)
ò
(Leenders 2000)
Strengths
ò
ò
ò
Objective Assessment of Physical Activity
Not subject to participant’s inability to
accurately recall activity
Ability to measure lower intensity physical
activity which is often harder to recall
Can be used across different populations
(i.e. adults, children)
Weaknesses
ò
ò
ò
ò
Cannot get wet
Does not accurately measure some
activities
Bicycling
Activities that move away
from walking/running
Arm Movement
Becomes less accurate in obese and slow
gait speeds
Can’t provide information on activity type
Wearing the Pedometer
•Should be fastened to a belt or
waistband, in the midline of the
thigh.
•Worn on the hip in an upright
position and held firmly against
the body.
•When correctly positioned, it does
not matter what side of the body
the pedometer is worn on, unless
the person has a gait abnormality.
General Pedometer Instructions
The pedometer should be worn
during all waking hours of the day.
Every morning, the pedometer
should be zeroed “0” out before
putting it on.
2. The time that the pedometer was put
on should be recorded in seven-day
pedometer record.
1.
General Pedometer Instructions
3.
4.
The pedometer should be worn all-day
from the time the participant gets up to
the time that they go to bed except
when bathing or participating in water
activities.
The monitor should be removed at
night just before bedtime and the
number of steps/day on the pedometer
along with the time it was removed
should be recorded in the seven-day
pedometer record.
Pedometer “Step Test” for Accuracy
Have the participant put on
the pedometer and find a
space where they can walk
at their typical walking
pace.
ò Have the participant put on
the pedometer and Reset the
pedometer to “0”and close
the cover.
ò Have the participant walk
20 steps.
ò Carefully open the cover
and determine the number
of steps on the pedometer.
ò
ò
ò
ò
ò
Determining Accuracy
Perfect = 20 steps
Good = 19 or 21steps
(± 5% error)
Acceptable = 18 or 22
steps (± 10% error)
Unacceptable = ≤ 17
or ≥ 23 steps
What if?
ò
The monitor is not working properly
A. Check positioning
1.
2.
3.
If necessary have the participant move the pedometer to the
small of the back
Make sure the pedometer is upright
Repeat 20 step test
B. Change clothes
1.
2.
3.
Make sure that the participant is wearing snug fitting
clothing
If possible, have participant wear a belt
Repeat 20 step test
C. Go through the instructions
What if?
ò
Participant is sick during the week they are
to wear the pedometer
Ask the participant to wear the pedometer
after they have gotten over their illness
If participant is having surgery or has an
injury, try to delay the assessment period until
cleared by physician or has completed their
recovery period
What if?
ò
Participant only wears the pedometer 3
days
If possible, have the participant finish the
week out
Try to have the participant complete 7 full
days
THE STRONG HEART – FAMILY STUDY
GENETICS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN AMERICAN INDIANS
DIRECTIONS TO PARTICPANTS FOR USING THE PEDOMETER
The ACCUSPLIT Pedometer measures movement. You are being asked to wear this pedometer EVERY DAY for a seven-day period from
______________ to ______________. The pedometer is worn on the hip and should be clipped to the waistband of your pants/skirt, underwear, or
belt. Most importantly, the pedometer must be worn in an upright position. Please keep the pedometer firmly against your body so it does not move
around freely. DO NOT LET THE PEDOMETER GET WET by wearing it in the rain or while bathing or swimming. Please remember to reset the
pedometer to “0” (zero) when you put it on in the morning and to record the number of steps from the pedometer in your activity record when you
take it off at night.
If you have any questions, please contact _________________ at ______________________.
Front View
Side View
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
1.Every morning, just before you put the pedometer on, push the YELLOW reset button so that the pedometer resets to “0”.
2.Record the time that you attached the pedometer in your pedometer record. Make sure to indicate am or pm.
3.Wear the pedometer on your hip (please see pictures above), make sure to keep it upright, and make sure that it remains firmly in place
against your body.
4.Wear the pedometer ALL DAY except when bathing, swimming, or in the rain (unless the pedometer is protected by clothing and will not get
wet). If you take off the pedometer for longer than 30 minutes, record the length of time it was off (minutes or hours) in your pedometer
record.
5.At bedtime, take off the pedometer. Record in your pedometer record (a) the number of steps taken on the pedometer, and (b) the time you
removed your pedometer. Make sure to indicate am or pm.
6.Please do not touch the YELLOW reset button during the day or you will erase your activity numbers.
7.Keep the cover closed or the pedometer will not record your activity.
8.Do not wear the pedometer in a pants, coat, or shirt pocket. The pedometer will not work correctly.
9.Please bring back or mail to us, in the self-addressed stamped envelope, the pedometer record after you have completed your week.
10.Please keep the pedometer as a token of our appreciation for your participation in the Strong Heart Family Study.
THE STRONG HEART – FAMILY STUDY
GENETICS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN AMERICAN INDIANS
SEVEN-DAY PEDOMETER RECORD
SHS Family I.D.: |___|___|___|___|___|___|___|
SHS I.D.: |___|___|___|___|___|___|
Name: ____________________________________
REMINDER: RESET THE PEDOMETER TO “0” EVERY MORNING
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Date
Day of week
Time attached (am/pm)
Please circle either am or pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
am
pm
Pedometer steps at bedtime
Time removed (am/pm)
Please circle either am or pm
Did you take off the pedometer for any
reason for longer than 30 minutes?
Please circle “Y” for yes or “N” for no.
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
If yes, for how long (indicate minutes or
hours)?
Complete this question after completing the pedometer record.
Have your physical activity levels in the past seven (7) days been typical for you compared to your regular activity level?
Yes____ No____
Y
N
Y
N
Contact Information:
Kristi L. Storti, MS, MPH
University of Pittsburgh
Graduate School of Public Health
Department of Epidemiology
515 Parran Hall
130 DeSoto Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
Phone: 412-624-0188
Email: klsst75@pitt.edu