Comparison Between a Pedometer and an Accelerometer to Measure Daily Steps in Healthy Adults

Abstract

Background: Several devices in the market have been used to measure physical activity, including but not limited to Fitbit and pedometers. However, pedometers are considered to be a low-cost measure of steps when compared with Fitbit. Studies have not compared the accuracy of a pedometer (Yamax Digi-walker SW-200) with Fitbit (Fitbit Altra HR, USA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of agreement between these devices on counting steps when worn by healthy subjects.

Methods: Eleven healthy subjects wore the pedometer (Yamax Digi-walker SW-200) and Fitbit (Fitbit Altra HR, USA) for 5 consecutive days and recorded their physical activity measured by steps on a diary card for both devices. Descriptive measures as a Mean (M) and Standard deviation (SD) were provided, and data were tested if normally distributed. Intraclass coefficient of correlation (ICCs) was used to examine the level of agreement between both devices. Verbal consent was obtained from all subjects.

Results: Seven males and 4 females with age (M ±SD: 31.73 ± 4.98 years) participated. The steps counted for Yamax Digi-walker SW-200 group were (M ±SD: 11620.2 ±1107.4 steps), whereas the counted steps for Fitbit Altra HR group were (M± SD: 11893.5 ±1097 steps). There was an excellent agreement between both devices (ICC: 0.98, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99).

Conclusions: The Yamax Digi-walker SW-200 and Fitbit Alta HR showed almost perfect agreement in counting steps in healthy subjects.