%0 Journal Article
%@ 1543-5476
%A Marshall, Alison L.
%D 2007
%F quteprints:13936
%I Human Kinetics
%J Journal of Physical Activity and Health (JPAH)
%K randomized trial
%K measurement
%K walking
%K mailed materials
%N 3
%P 305-314
%T Should all steps count when using a pedometer as a measure of physical activity in older adults?
%U https://eprints.qut.edu.au/13936/
%V 4
%X AIM: Does feedback on step counts from a pedometer encourage participants to increase walking?      METHODS: Randomly recruited older adults (n=105) were asked to wear a pedometer for 2-weeks.  Half the participants were asked to monitor and record daily step counts during week one (feedback), then seal the pedometer shut during week two (no-feedback). Half completed the study in reverse order.  Self-reported walking was assessed via telephone interviews.    RESULTS: Significantly more steps were recorded per day (approximately 400 steps per day) when participants (n=103, 63% women; mean BMI 25±4) monitored their daily step count (t (102) = -2.30, p=0.02) compared to the no-feedback condition. There was no statistically significant difference in self-reported walking (p=0.31) between feedback conditions.    CONCLUSION: The difference in daily step counts observed between conditions, whilst statistically significant, may not be considered clinically significant. Further, the non-significant difference in self-reported walking between conditions suggests that feedback on daily step counts from a pedometer does not encourage participants to increase their walking.