2134/15585
Stacy Clemes
Stacy
Clemes
Stuart Biddle
Stuart
Biddle
The use of pedometers for monitoring physical activity in children and adolescents: measurement considerations
Loughborough University
2014
Pedometers
Walking
Physical activity
Exercise
Children
Adolescents
Systematic review
Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified
2014-08-18 10:16:25
Journal contribution
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/The_use_of_pedometers_for_monitoring_physical_activity_in_children_and_adolescents_measurement_considerations/9621194
BACKGROUND: Pedometers are increasingly being used to measure physical activity in children and
adolescents. This review provides an overview of common measurement issues relating to their
use. METHODS: Studies addressing the following measurement issues in children/adolescents (aged 3-18 years)
were included: pedometer validity and reliability, monitoring period, wear time, reactivity, data
treatment and reporting. Pedometer surveillance studies in children/adolescents (aged: 4-18
years) were also included to enable common measurement protocols to be highlighted. RESULTS: In children >5 years, pedometers provide a valid and reliable, objective measure of ambulatory
activity. Further evidence is required on pedometer validity in preschool children. Across all
ages, optimal monitoring frames to detect habitual activity have yet to be determined; most
surveillance studies use 7-days. It is recommended that standardised wear time criteria are
established for different age groups, and that wear times are reported. As activity varies
between weekdays and weekend days, researchers interested in habitual activity should include
both types of day in surveillance studies. There is conflicting evidence on the presence of reactivity to pedometers. CONCLUSIONS: Pedometers are a suitable tool to objectively assess ambulatory activity in children (>5 years)
and adolescents. This review provides recommendations to enhance the standardisation of
measurement protocols.