Accuracy of Five Talking Pedometers under Controlled Conditions

摘要

Background: This study examined the reliability and accuracy of five talking pedometers: Brookstone Talking Pedometer, Voice Zone, Sportline 343, Accusplit Alliance AL390, and Oregon Scientific PE829. All pedometers announced cumulative step count when the talk button was pressed. Methods: Ten older adults (73 ± 5.5 years old), and 13 adults with visual impairments (42.4 ± 13.6 years old) wore the pedometers during a 50-step walk, ascending and descending stairs. Pedometer step counts were compared to hand-tally counts. Results: All pedometers underestimated actual steps with higher prevalence of under-counting when ascending stairs and descending stairs. Average absolute errors follow: Brookstone (13.0%±13.8), Accusplit (18.7%±21.7), Voice Zone (20.2%±18.1), Oregon Scientific (25.7%±24.3) and Sportline (33.7±25.5). Conclusions: The Brookstone and Accusplit pedometers were the most accurate models. None of the talking pedometers tested appeared appropriate for research (maximum of 5% error) or general use (maximum of 10% error).