What Causes A Pedometer To Register Too Many Steps?

A pedometer is a small device that is usually attached at or near your hip and counts the number of steps you have taken while wearing the device. Pedometers can have several features, including calorie tracking, distance traveled and total time spent running or walking. Not all pedometers are created equal and some models are more prone to error than others. These errors can register either too many or too few steps than you actually took.

Pedometer Types

Pedometers come in two types. The spring-loaded pedometer has a level that moves up and down with your movement, counting each step when the lever hits the spring. The other pedometer type uses an accelerometer that senses changes in direction and speed. These models are better able to recognize changes in gait pattern and movement type, which can lead to more accurate readings.

Problems

Problems in pedometer accuracy typically stem from changes in motion or excess motion that does not produce forward movement. For instance, taking a lever-based accelerometer and shaking it up and down will cause it to register steps. However, doing the same to an accelerometer-based model won't register steps. The American College of Sports Medicine also notes that location of the pedometer on your body and abdominal size can influence the accuracy of the device. This stems from the directionality that the lever and accelerometers employ read steps. If the device is tilted, it will read movements from that direction instead of the necessary horizontal readings, thus causing accuracy issues.

Testing Your Pedometer

One simple test to check the accuracy of your pedometer is to measure the distance you travel across 20 steps. Mark the starting spot and ending spot with cones and then reset your pedometer. Now, take those same 20 paces and then check the readings on your pedometer. Your pedometer should accurately read that you have taken 20 steps and covered the distance that you measured. If the device does not, reposition the device on your waist and try again.

Using a Pedometer

You can use the pedometer to give you a guide on how much walking and running you need to do each day to reach a particular activity level classification. Consult your doctor to ensure exercise is safe for you. Sedentary individuals accumulate fewer than 5,000 steps per day while active individuals accumulate more than 10,000 steps per day, according to the ACSM's guidelines. Check your pedometer around lunch time each day and adjust your activity level so you can reach at least 10,000 steps per day.