A Preliminary Study on the Impact of a Pedometer-Based Intervention on Daily Steps

Abstract

Purpose.: To investigate the effects of an 8-week, pedometer-based lifestyle physical activity intervention on physical activity levels. Methods.: Participants were 37 college employees who volunteered to participate in the study. The intervention consisted of goal setting, pedometer use, self-monitoring, and weekly e-mail reminders. Physical activity measures (pedometer, survey) were taken at baseline and immediately following the intervention. A t-test for paired samples was used to determine significant changes in measures. Results.: Results indicate a significant increase in average daily steps (p < .01), from 8565 (± 3121) steps at baseline to 10,538 (± 3681) steps after the program. Participants who averaged fewer than 6000 steps and obese participants experienced the greatest increase. Discussion.: Although preliminary, this study indicates that the minimal contact, self-managed, pedometer-based lifestyle intervention was effective in increasing the daily physical activity of participants. Given the combination of behavioral techniques used, a recommendation for future studies would be to examine the impact of individual behavioral techniques on daily physical activity.