Pedometer use increases daily steps and functional status in older adults

The benefits of increased physical activity in adults of any age are many. It is hypothesized that wearing a pedometer can motivate older adults to increase and sustain a higher level of ambulatory activity and improve measures of functional status.

A prospective observational walking program using pedometers, goal orientation, and educational materials. Participants were given pedometers with the screen covered to measure baseline steps. The pedometer screen was then uncovered for 4 weeks and participants encouraged to increase daily steps by 5% weekly. The pedometers were removed for 2 weeks and then returned with the screen covered to measure maintenance of activity.

Six senior-living facilities in the Saint Louis area.

A total of 36 ambulatory adults aged 65 or older.

The primary outcome measurement was average daily steps. Secondary outcomes included scores on the "Timed Up and Go," Tinetti Gait and Balance Evaluation, functional reach, 2-minute walking distance, 30-second leg-lift repetitions, grip strength, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Quality of Life Scale.

The average number of daily steps increased from 2992 to 3670 over a 4-week period, a 22.7% increase (P = .035). The average daily steps were not sustained once the pedometer was removed for 2 weeks. The Timed Up and Go decreased from 12.1 to 11.2 seconds (P = .014), 30-second leg lifts increased from 22.7 to 26.3 repetitions (P < .001), and 2-minute walking distance improved from 313.7 to 330.3 feet (P = .014) at study completion. No improvement was seen in grip strength, functional reach, GDS, or quality of life.

Pedometers are a successful motivational tool to increase ambulatory activity in older adults with a secondary benefit in functional status measures.