Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
Pedometer-determined physical activity of Western Kenyan children
Karen Croteau1, Grant Schofield, George Towle
1Dept of Sports Medicine, University of Southern Maine, Gorham, ME, USA.
Background:
It is speculated that rural Kenyan children are more physically active than those in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to examine pedometer-measured physical activity levels of western Kenyan youth.
Methods:
Participants in this study were children in Levels 3 and 5 who attended a private primary school. The sample (n = 72) consisted of 43 girls and 29 boys (average age = 9.8 ± 1.1, range = 8-12 years). Age, gender, tribe, and height and weight measures were collected. Weight status category was determined according to CDC guidelines. Participants wore a sealed Yamax pedometer for 4 weekdays during the measurement period. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and 2-way ANOVA (age × gender).
Results:
The total sample averaged 14558 ± 3993 daily steps. There was no significant effect for age [F(4,68) = 1.682, P = .102] nor significant age × gender interaction [F(4,68)=1.956, P = .117]. There was a significant effect for gender [F(1,68) = 4.791, P = .033], with boys (16262 ± 4698) significantly more active than girls (13463 ± 3051).
Conclusions:
The observed daily steps are higher than those observed in the U.S., similar to samples in other developed countries, but lower than Amish youth.
