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Adjusting step count recommendations for anthropometric variations in leg length.

Michael W Beets1, Stamatis Agiovlasitis, Christopher A Fahs

  • 1Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA. beets@mailbox.sc.edu

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|January 26, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Public health guidelines recommend 100 steps per minute for moderate-intensity physical activity. However, this study found that longer leg length reduces the number of steps per minute needed to achieve this intensity.

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Area of Science:

  • Exercise Physiology
  • Biometrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Recent public health guidelines suggest 100 steps per minute (steps min(-1)) for moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA).
  • These general recommendations may not account for individual anthropometric variations, such as leg length, which can influence step frequency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of leg length on the step frequency (steps min(-1)) required to achieve MPA.
  • To determine if current step-based physical activity recommendations need adjustment based on individual leg length.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty adults (20-40 years) walked at five different speeds (0.5-1.5 m s(-1)) while wearing a portable gas analyzer.
  • Step frequency (steps min(-1)) was recorded using a hand-tally counter.

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  • Random effects models analyzed the relationship between METs, anthropometric measures (BMI, leg length), and step frequency.

    • Main Results:

    • 100 steps min(-1) corresponded to approximately 3 METs (R(2)=0.68).
    • Increased leg length was associated with a decrease in steps min(-1) (-1.15 steps min(-1) per increase in leg length).
    • For individuals ranging from 5ft to 6ft 6in., recommended steps min(-1) varied from 111 to 85, respectively.

    Conclusions:

    • Current step frequency recommendations for MPA are general guidelines.
    • Anthropometric differences, specifically leg length, should be considered when developing personalized step frequency recommendations for physical activity or weight management.