Is There a Valid App for That? Validity of a Free Pedometer iPhone Application

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Shawn Bergman Ph.D, Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: This study examined the validity of a selected free pedometer application (iPedometer; IP) for the iPhone that could be used to assess physical activity. Methods: Twenty college students (10 men, 10 women; mean age: 21.85 ± 1.57 yrs) wore an iPhone at 3 locations (pocket, waist, arm) and a StepWatch 3 Step Activity Monitor (SW) on their right ankle while walking on a treadmill at 5 different speeds (54, 67, 80, 94, 107 m·min-1). A research assistant counted steps with a tally counter (TC). Results: Statistical significance between the TC, SW, and IP was found during every condition except IP in the pocket at 107 m·min-1 (F2,38 = .64, P = .54). Correlations involving the IP revealed only 1 positive correlation (IP on arm at 54 m·min-1) for any of the conditions (r = .46, P = .05). Conclusion: The IP application was not accurate in counting steps and recorded significantly lower step counts than the SW and TC. Thus, the free pedometer application used is not a valid instrument for monitoring activity during treadmill walking.

Additional Information

Publication
Bergman, R. J., Spellman, J. W., Hall, M. E., & Bergman, S. M. (2012). Is There a Valid App for That? Validity of a Free Pedometer iPhone Application. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 9(5): 670-676 (July 2012). Published by Human Kinetics (ISSN: 1543-3080). The version of record is available from: www.humankinetics.com
Language: English
Date: 2012

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