The effect of pedometer use in combination with cognitive and behavioral support materials to promote physical activity.

OBJECTIVE

1. To demonstrate that combining pedometer use with cognitive and behavioral support materials has a positive effect on physical activity (PA) and attitudes towards pedometer use. 2. To investigate how familiar the study sample is with pedometers and the '10,000 steps/day' recommendation.

METHODS

From a random sample, drawn from the phone book, 304 volunteered (18-75 year) to complete a questionnaire about familiarity with pedometers and the '10,000 steps/day' recommendation. A sample of 103 participants agreed to wear a pedometer for 3 weeks, and was randomly assigned to a condition with cognitive and behavioral support materials (n=51) or without these materials (n=52). Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire before and after 21 days of pedometer use and an additional questionnaire on the attitudes towards pedometer use.

RESULTS

More than 58% had never heard of a pedometer. In both conditions, walking (F=10, p=0.002), moderate PA (F=11, p=0.001), and vigorous PA (F=14, p<0.001) increased over time, however no interaction effects could be found. Significantly more participants in the condition with support materials had a positive attitude towards pedometer use.

CONCLUSION

Wearing a pedometer, with or without support materials, may increase PA. In our study, cognitive and behavioral support materials only affected attitudes towards pedometer use.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

More research is needed to investigate the effect of combining pedometer use with support materials on a longer time base and in less motivated people.