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Updated: May 13, 2026

A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
Published on: April 21, 2017
Steps that count: physical activity recommendations, brisk walking, and steps per minute--how do they relate?
Julian D Pillay1, Tracy L Kolbe-Alexander, Karin I Proper
1Dept of Basic Medical Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Brisk walking, a recommended physical activity, averages 118 steps per minute. This rate aligns with moderate physical activity targets, regardless of fitness levels, age, or sex.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Brisk walking is a widely recommended health-enhancing physical activity.
- Defining objective measures for brisk walking is crucial for public health guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the steps per minute (SPM) for self-paced brisk walking (SPBW).
- To predict the SPM rate for moderate physical activity (MPA).
- To compare SPBW SPM with predicted MPA SPM.
Main Methods:
- 58 participants (34 men, 24 women) wore pedometers and heart rate monitors.
- Participants performed SPBW for 10 minutes and 5 indoor sessions at varying metronome paces (60-120 SPM).
- MPA SPM was predicted using SPM and heart rate data, adjusted for aerobic fitness, age, and sex.
Main Results:
- SPBW averaged 118 ± 9 SPM.
- Predicted MPA SPM was 122 ± 37 SPM.
- SPBW SPM closely correlated with predicted MPA SPM, even after adjustments.
Conclusions:
- SPBW steps per minute correlate with targeted heart rates for MPA.
- The predicted steps per minute for MPA align with self-paced brisk walking rates.
- Findings support using 'brisk walking' as a reference for moderate physical activity.
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