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 .
Does Augmented Feedback from Pedometers Increase Adults' Walking Behavior?
This study investigated whether feedback from pedometers motivated adults to increase their  walking behavior . Participants ( n = 26 ) were enrolled in one of two 8-wk . “ Walking for Fitness ” classes . The study used a crossover design , such that Group 1 wore pedometers for the first 3 weeks ( Feedback Condition ) and sealed “ disguised ” pedometers for the last 3 weeks ( No-feedback Condition ) . The order of feedback was reversed for Group 2 . Analysis indicated that ( a ) neither group increased their walking behavior significantly over time and , ( b ) interactions between groups were not significant at Week 3 or 6 , indicating that groups did not respond differently to feedback from the pedometers . If a motivational effect from pedometers exists , it may be small , dissipate before 3 wk . , only work in combination with goal setting , or only motivate certain types of individuals
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 .