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Descriptive epidemiology of pedometer-determined physical activity
Catrine Tudor-Locke1, Sandra A Ham, Caroline A Macera
1Department of Exercise and Wellness, Arizona State University East, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA. Tudor-Locke@asu.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|September 9, 2004
Summary
This study found significant differences in daily steps based on sex, race, age, income, and BMI. Weekdays, workdays, and days with sports/exercise showed higher step counts than weekend days, non-workdays, and days without such activities.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Physical Activity Research
Background:
- Understanding physical activity (PA) levels is crucial for public health.
- Pedometer-determined PA provides objective measures of daily ambulatory behavior.
- Intra-individual variability in daily steps can be influenced by various factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present preliminary descriptive epidemiology data for pedometer-determined physical activity (PA).
- To investigate factors contributing to variability in daily step counts among individuals.
Main Methods:
- Participants (N=209) from Sumter County, SC, self-monitored PA using pedometers for one week.
- Statistical analyses compared mean daily steps across demographic variables (sex, race, age, education, income, BMI).
- Daily step counts were compared between weekdays/weekend days, workdays/nonworkdays, and days with/without sport/exercise.
Main Results:
- The sample averaged 5931 +/- 3664 steps/day, with males (7192 steps) significantly higher than females (5210 steps).
- Significant differences in steps per day were observed across race, age, education, income, and BMI categories.
- Weekdays, workdays, and days with sport/exercise engagement showed significantly higher step counts compared to their counterparts.
Conclusions:
- Daily step counts exhibit wide intra-individual variability, as indicated by large standard deviations.
- Despite variability, significant differences in physical activity levels are associated with demographic characteristics, BMI, and engagement in work or exercise.