Pedometers for all!

摘要

In this month's issue of Preventive Medicine Petersen et al. (2011) report the findings of a population-based randomized controlled trial in which the intervention included providing a pedometer to monitor physical activity (PA). The participants were 655 adults (median age 52 yrs) with low levels of PA or fitness. There were no three month differences in overall walking time, sitting time, leisure time PA, aerobic fitness, or self-rated health in the intention to treat analyses. However, secondary subgroup analysis indicated that pedometers to monitor the achievement of step goals may stimulate PA among sedentary people aged 65 or more, and in particular leisure time walking. The magnitude of the impact of the intervention was around an additional 10 min/ day whichfif confirmed, would represent a substantial benefit given the simplicity of the intervention. Further cost-benefit analyses would be warranted to assess what it would cost to make pedometers available for all. for example, bv incorporating them in watches or mobile phones.