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Pedometers Affect Changes in Lower-Extremity Physical Function During a Square-Stepping Exercise Program in Older
Takashi Jindo1, Kenji Tsunoda, Naruki Kitano
11Doctoral Program in Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. 2Physical Fitness Research Institute, Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan. 3Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan. 4Gerontology Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland. 5Master's Program in Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. 6Department of Occupational Therapy, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Ibaraki, Japan. 7Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Adding a pedometer to an exercise program significantly improved lower-extremity physical function (LEPF) in older adults. This simple tool enhances the benefits of exercise interventions for mobility and balance.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Science
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Pedometers are commonly used to motivate increased physical activity.
- Exercise interventions aim to improve physical function, particularly in older adults.
- Integrating pedometers may amplify exercise benefits by sustaining daily activity levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the impact of an exercise intervention with and without a pedometer on lower-extremity physical function (LEPF).
Main Methods:
- 68 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 70.0 years) participated in an 11-week square-stepping exercise (SSE) program.
- Participants were divided into two groups: SSE with pedometer and SSE without pedometer.
- LEPF was assessed using five tests, including balance, sit-to-stand, and walking speed.
Main Results:
- Significant group-by-time interactions were found for timed up and go and 5-m habitual walk.
- The SSE with pedometer group demonstrated greater improvements in these physical function measures compared to the SSE without pedometer group.
Conclusions:
- Providing a pedometer alongside an exercise intervention is an effective strategy to enhance LEPF in older adults.
- Pedometers can serve as valuable motivational tools within exercise programs to boost physical function outcomes.
