There are many factors that have to be weighed when it comes to determining the accuracy of a pedometer. The type of pedometer used, the terrain traveled and even the fitness of the wearer all have to be given consideration.
Research tests have shown pedometers with an accuracy rate within 3 percent, while other models have tested to be as much as 50 percent off.
Types
The most common types of pedometers uses a hair spring mechanism for moving a lever that counts steps. Because of the thinness of the hair spring, it tends to droop after constant usage, which will lead to inaccurate readings. The hair spring pedometers are typically the lowest-priced models.
The other type of spring pedometer uses a coil spring, which is stronger, so that these pedometers will keep their accuracy ratings for a longer period of time.
The other type is a piezo-electric pedometer, which has no moving parts on the inside and is likely to retain its accuracy the longest.
GPS and SDM Pedometers
At the high end of pedometers are the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Speed Distance Meter (SDM) models. The GPS module is able to track movement to provide an extremely accurate reading of how far a person has traveled, but are known to have problems in certain areas, such as around tall buildings and in areas with overhead trees or other vegetation. The SDM models are also extremely accurate under most conditions, but also have noted problems, such as when walking uphill or downhill.
Considerations
Diet and Fitness Resources, a company based in England, conducted an accuracy test of six different pedometers it sells, and rated them accordingly. The most accurate of the six was the Omron HJ113E, which had a claimed 97.5 percent accuracy rating, while the lowest-rated model, the Oregon Panic Alarm, had a claimed 70 percent accuracy rating.
Geography
The terrain a person walks on will have an effect on the reliability of a pedometer's readings. Naturally, flat, level ground will yield a more accurate reading than trying to measure the steps taken on a hike that includes uphill and downhill travel. When traveling uphill or downhill, it's possible that smaller steps will not yield enough vertical movement for the pedometer to register a step.
Weight
As a general rule, pedometers are more accurate on thin people than they are on overweight people. As most pedometers are designed to be worn vertically on the waist, there is likely to be more tilt on the pedometer, which will lead to inaccurate readings. Overweight walkers may also walk more slowly, which may lead to smaller steps not registering enough vertical movement to count a step.
Member Comments