Benefits of pedometer-measured habitual physical activity in healthy women

Abstract

<jats:p>This cross-sectional study aimed at (i) characterizing pedometer-determined physical activity and (ii) examining its associations with dietary intake and anthropometric and metabolic profile in healthy women. Anthropometric and metabolic profile was evaluated in 68 healthy women of reproductive age. Habitual physical activity was assessed using a pedometer for 6 consecutive days, including weekends. Participants were stratified into active and inactive according to the mean steps·day<jats:sup>–1</jats:sup>(≥6000 and &lt;6000, respectively). Food consumption was evaluated by 24-h recall in a subsample of 35 participants. Thirty-eight women were defined as active and had significantly lower body mass index (BMI), fat percentage, waist circumference, sum of skinfold thickness, insulin, and HOMA than the sedentary group. Mean BMI was 27 kg·m<jats:sup>–2</jats:sup>(overweight) in active participants and 31 kg·m<jats:sup>–2</jats:sup>(class I obesity) in inactive participants. Active women consumed more carbohydrates (55.5% ± 9.4% vs. 46.3% ± 7.6%) and calories (2138 ± 679 vs. 1664 ± 558 kcal), and less protein (15.4% ± 4.2% vs. 19.9% ± 5.8%) and lipids (29.0% ± 7.2% vs. 33.8% ± 6.2%) than inactive individuals (p &lt; 0.05). Fiber, cholesterol, and fatty acid intake was similar in both groups. The number of steps was lower on Sunday than on weekdays for the overall group. Using a pedometer for 3 days was sufficient to determine habitual physical activity (sensitivity: 94%; specificity 91% vs. 6 days of pedometer use). In the present study, nonstructured physical activity was associated with more adequate dietary consumption and contributed toward a healthier anthropometric and metabolic profile in young women, despite the high prevalence of overweight.</jats:p>

Atividade física de mulheres no climatério: comparação entre auto-relato e pedômetro

“… 4 Studies suggest that using a pedometer for fewer days, as long as Saturday or Sunday are included, is as reliable s weekly use. 9 , 11 , 20 , 21 Using a pedometer to monitor patients can take this form, increasing adherence due to ease of use and shorter intervention. Regardless, when evaluating PA longitudinally the use of the same instrument facilitates comparison of results.…”

Associations between body composition and lifestyle factors with bone mineral density according to time since menopause in women from Southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

“…The equipment was used for six consecutive days, providing a weekly average number of steps. Participants were stratified in active >6000 steps per day) or sedentary ≤ 6000 steps per day), according to previously reported [ 15 , 19 , 20 ]. Subjects were encouraged not to change their physical activity habits during the study.…”

The Passo Fundo Cohort Study: design of a population-based observational study of women in premenopause, menopausal transition, and postmenopause

“…The instrument records the number of steps taken per day for seven days. The mean number of steps was calculated by the ratio between the sum of the daily totals and the number of days the pedometer was used [ 23 ]. The device was individually configured according to the participant’s weight (kg) and average step length (distance between the heels in cm).…”