Comparison of pedometer and accelerometer measures of physical activity in preschool children

Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2007 May;19(2):205-14. doi: 10.1123/pes.19.2.205.

Abstract

In this study, daily step counts were recorded for 4 consecutive days in 129 four- and five-year-old children. To compare daily Yamax Digiwalker step counts with minutes of engagement in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), concurrent accelerometer data were collected in a random subsample (n = 76). The average daily step count was 9,980 (+/- 2,605). Step counts and MVPA minutes were strongly correlated (r = .73, p < .001). The daily step count of 13,874, equating to 1-hr MVPA engagement, was reached by 8% of the children. Daily step counts in preschool children give valid information on physical activity levels-daily step counts in preschoolers are low.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Records
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory / instrumentation*
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory / methods
  • Motor Activity*
  • Physical Fitness
  • Walking*