Comparison between smartphone pedometer applications and traditional pedometers for improving physical activity and body mass index in community-dwelling older adults

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science 2016, Vol.28(5), pp.1651-1656
• Main Authors: Fong, Shirley S.M., Ng, Shamay S.M., Cheng, Yoyo T.Y., Zhang, Joni, Chung, Louisa M.Y., Chow, Gary C.C., Chak, Yvonne T.C., Chan, Ivy K.Y., Macfarlane, Duncan J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Elderly; Mobile technology; Original; Walking
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.28.1651

[Purpose] The effectiveness of a smartphone pedometer application was compared with that of a traditional pedometer for improving the physical activity and weight status of community-dwelling older adults. [Subjects and Methods] This study had a nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group design. Ninety-seven older adults (mean age ± SD, 60.1 ± 5.5 years) joined the smartphone pedometer group and underwent a 2-week walking intervention based on a smartphone pedometer application. Fifty-four older adults (mean age ± SD, 65.3 ± 8.7 years) joined the traditional pedometer group and underwent a 2-week walking intervention based on a traditional pedometer. The participants’ physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, and their weight status was quantified by calculating the body mass index. The daily pedometer count was also documented. [Results] No significant time, group, or time-by-group interaction effects were found for any of the outcome variables. However, trends of improvement in physical activity and body mass index were seen only in the smartphone pedometer group. [Conclusion] A smartphone pedometer application might be more favorable than a traditional pedometer in improving physical activity and body mass index in community-dwelling older adults. However, further experimental studies are necessary to confirm the results.