Pedometers track walking distance by using body motion to count footsteps. They use the length of an average stride to calculate distance. Pedometers are a great way of keeping track of distance on daily walks. The American Heart Association recommends taking 10,000 steps daily for heart health. Pedometers are light, easy to use.
Types
There are two types of pedometers: spring levered and piezoelectric. Spring-levered pedometers us a horizontal lever arm that moves up and down with movement. Each motion up and down is counted as a step. The pedometer is placed on the hip where the vertical movement of the hip triggers the lever, an electrical circuit opens and the step is counted. Levered pedometers must be horizontal on the hip to work.
Piezoelectric (Accelerometers) pedometers do not have any moving parts. They use a beam with a weighted end that compresses a piezoelectric crystal when it detects movement. The crystal generates a voltage that is used to record the step. There are no moving parts so they are silent, but the batteries need to be replaced often, about every 6 to 8 weeks
Accuracy
In a study by the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado, researchers found that the accuracy of pedometers falls off at slower speeds. Spring-levered pedometers' accuracy is 71 percent below 2 MPH and 97 percent for the piezoelectric pedometers. The piezoelectric is more accurate at slower speeds than the spring-levered pedometer and is recommended for older people who tend to walk at slower speeds. At speeds over 3 MPH both pedometers have an accuracy rate of 96 percent and above.
Basic Model
The basic model pedometer counts steps and may display distance. These are easy to use and useful for tracking the number steps taken during the day.
Distance and Data
Advanced pedometers calculate distance, calories burned and have timers that count down. Some of these are combined into a watch. They can track and store information up to seven days. Some come with a heart monitor. One thing to look for in a pedometer watch is memory size. Because of their small size, some have limited storage that can be filled in three days.
Computer Linked Pedometers
With computer linked pedometers, you can uploaded data to a computer. Tracking, logging and comparing distance or calories are a breeze. These are great for weight loss programs that incorporate exercise. Weight loss is tracked on daily or weekly logs and compared with the distance or calories burned from walking. Some computer linked pedometers use website programs while others offer desktop programs for tracking data.
Pocket Pedometers
Pocket pedometers are designed to work inside a pocket. Slip the pedometer into a pant pocket, tuck them into a sock or wear them around the neck on a lanyard. Pocket pedometers provide versatility and are not clothing dependent. These models still need to be oriented correctly or they will not give an accurate reading.
GPS Pedometers
Global Positioning System (GPS) applications track steps by satellite. These programs are reliant on satellite signals for tracking. A great perk with GPS systems is location tracking with Google Map accessibility. No need to worry about getting lost anymore. The downside is they do not work indoors and need a clear view of the sky to operate or the tracker will not record steps.
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