The results suggest that the use of a pedometer is associated with significant increases in physical activity and significant decreases in body mass index and blood pressure .
CONTEXT Without detailed evidence of their effectiveness , pedometers have recently become popular as a tool for motivating physical activity .
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of pedometer use with physical activity and health outcomes among outpatient adults .
Effects of a 10,000 Steps per Day Goal in Overweight Adults
Purpose . This study was design ed ( 1 ) to examine the effects of a 10,000 steps·d−1 exercise prescription on sedentary , overweight/obese adults , and ( 2 ) to examine the effects of adherence on body composition and cardiovascular risk factors . Methods . Fifty-six overweight/obese adults participated in the study .  Body composition and cardiovascular risk factors were determined at baseline , 20 weeks , and 36 weeks . Adherence was defined as averaging ≥ 9500 steps·d−1 from week 4 to week 36 . Results . 38 participants ( 68 % ) wore pedometers daily for 36 weeks and were available for posttesting . Significant improvements were noted in mean values for walking volume ( 3994 steps·d−1 ) , body weight ( –2.4 kg ) , body mass index ( –0.8 kg·m−2 ) , percentage body fat ( –1.9 % ) , fat mass ( –2.7 kg ) , waist circumference ( –1.8 cm ) , hip circumference ( –1.9 cm ) and high-density lipoprotein ( 3 mg/dl ) . The adherers had large improvements in body composition measures , whereas the nonadherers showed little or no change in these variables . Discussion . A 10,000 steps·d−1 exercise prescription result ed in weight loss over 36 weeks in previously sedentary , overweight/obese adults . Adherence to the step goal had a marked effect on the outcome
The results suggest that the use of a pedometer is associated with significant increases in physical activity and significant decreases in body mass index and blood pressure .
CONTEXT Without detailed evidence of their effectiveness , pedometers have recently become popular as a tool for motivating physical activity .
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of pedometer use with physical activity and health outcomes among outpatient adults .