Pedometers: Advantages and Disadvantages

This page covers the advantages and disadvantages of pedometers. It discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using these devices.

What are Pedometers?

Introduction:

• A pedometer typically comes in the form of a watch and records the number of steps a person takes by detecting motion of the hands or hips.
• Distance is calculated as: distance = number of foot steps x size of step
• Some pedometers use a GPS receiver chip to estimate the distance traveled.
• They can be electronic or electro-mechanical devices with an accuracy of about +/-5%.

• Modern pedometers provide much more than just distance. They can also track sleep, monitor heart rate, and offer other data analysis.
• Pedometers are used not only by regular walkers but also by sports and fitness enthusiasts.
• They use motion sensors for measurement of physical activity. Some are designed using a metronome that counts steps by detecting vertical movement.
• Figure 1 (above) depicts some of the best pedometers available in the market.

Benefits or Advantages of Pedometers

The following are the benefits or advantages of using pedometers:

• They are easy to use, simply worn on the wrist or hip.
• They are inexpensive and non-invasive.
• They are used to measure common activities like walking at schools and workplaces, and are also useful for regular walkers.
• Usually, pedometers provide a measurement of the distance traveled on foot. Modern pedometers also provide measurements of energy expended and time, and may also include heart rate monitoring.
• Most pedometers recommend 10,000 steps per day.
• They can capture both qualitative and quantitative information.
• They are quick and easy to use for larger groups, making them cost-effective for large group analysis.

Drawbacks or Disadvantages of Pedometers

The following are the drawbacks or disadvantages of pedometers:

• Some pedometers only assess hip movement.
• They are not useful for comparing different age groups of people.
• In competitions, there is a chance of tampering by participants.
• Some pedometers do not deliver accurate results while jogging or running. Hence, assessment is restricted to walking.
• They are most useful for measuring distance traveled when the stride length of the participants is known.