A review of 8 randomized controlled trials and 18 observational studies with a total of 2767 participants was carried out to evaluate the association of pedometer use with physical activity and health outcomes, according to an article in JAMA.
The study found that pedometer users in RCTs significantly increased their physical activity by 2491 steps per day more than control participants while those in observational studies 2183 steps per day over baseline. The pedometer users significantly decreased their body mass index by 0.38, the intervention participants significantly decreased their systolic blood pressure by 3.8 mm Hg. However, whether these changes are durable over the long term is undetermined.
A pedometer counts steps a person takes and the distance he/she has walked and has become popular as an everyday exercise motivator - a perfect Christmas gift for someone who wants to increase physical activitity and improve health.
Source : "Using Pedometers to Increase Physical Activity and Improve Health - Systematic Review" JAMA. 2007;298(19):2296-2304. (abstract only)
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