2012-02-04
Keepwalking

About pedometry

Why do we use pedometers to measure physical activity?

Pedometers are adequate for the "new" perspective on health promoting physical activity. All activity counts and the emphasis lies on every-day activity. Pedometers are effective to measure the "hidden activity" at home and when commuting to school and work. Pedometers cover almost all ambulatory activities during the day. Therefore, pedometers picture the important total amount of daily activity [1].

How much activity is needed?

Scientific recommendations have recently been published. Results are based on Yamax/KeepWalking LS2000. In order to keep your weight you should walk:

Women

18-40 years of age: 12.000 daily steps 40-50 years of age: 11.000 50-60 years of age: 10.000 Over 60 years of age: 8.000

Men:

18-50 years of age: 12.000 daily steps Over 50 years of age: 11.000

For many children the following amount of steps-per-day is recommended for optimal weight control:

Girls 6-12 years of age 12.000 daily steps [2]

Boys 6-12 years of age 15.000 daily steps [2]

References

[1] Raustorp A. The Pedometer book: Räkna dina hälsosamma steg (in Swedish)

[2] Tudor-Locke et al.. BMI-referenced standards for recommended pedometer determined steps /day in children. Prev Med 2004; 36 [6] 857-864