Step-count guidelines referenced on 60-minutes of moderate/vigorous physical activity

The purpose of this study was to establish step-count guidelines for sixth-grade students and assess the ability of step-counts to discriminate between students achieving and not achieving 60-minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. 201 sixth-grade students completed the study. They wore a pedometer and an accelerometer at the waist level for one full day. ROC curves were used to establish step-count guidelines and determine the diagnostic accuracy of step-counts. Sixth grade students need 12,118 steps/day to reach adequate daily levels of physical activity. The AUC indicated good diagnostic accuracy of step-counts. Suggested step-count guidelines can be a useful tool for identifying children who need to increase their daily levels of physical activity. The step-count cutoff proposed in this study is adequate for discriminating between sixth grade students reaching and not reaching recommended levels of physical activity.

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Development of Step-Count Cut Points for School-Day Vigorous Physical Activity

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2018/9717848 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ryan D. Burns ◽

Timothy A. Brusseau ◽

You Fu ◽

Peng Zhang

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Roc Curves ◽

Step Count ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Cut Points ◽

Step Counts ◽

School Day ◽

The Usa

Background. No study has established step-count cut points for varying amounts of accelerometer-assessed vigorous physical activity (VPA) accrued during the school day in children. The purpose of this study was to establish step-count cut points for discriminating children meeting VPA in 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 20 minutes per 7-hour school day. Methods. Participants were a convenience sample of 1,053 children (mean age = 8.4 (1.8) years) recruited from 5 schools from the Mountain West region of the USA. Data within students were observed across multiple semesters totaling 2,119 separate observations. Step counts and time in VPA were assessed using ActiGraph wGT3X-BT triaxial accelerometers that were worn during the entirety of a 7-hour school day for one school week. Average censored step counts and minutes in VPA were calculated across 3 to 5 days. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to derive step counts via calculation of the maximum Youden J statistic. Results. Area-under-the-curve (AUC) scores ranged from AUC = 0.81 (95% CI: 0.78–0.83; p<0.001) for meeting at least 5 minutes of VPA to AUC = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88–1.00, p<0.001) for meeting at least 20 minutes of VPA. Approximately 3,460 steps best discriminated children meeting at least 5 minutes of VPA (sensitivity = 74.0%, specificity = 74.0%, and accuracy = 74.1%) and approximately 5,628 steps best discriminated children meeting at least 20 minutes per day of VPA (sensitivity = 85.7%, specificity = 95.1%, and accuracy = 95.1%). Conclusion. Step counts can discriminate with reasonable accuracy children that meet at least 5 minutes of school-day VPA and with strong accuracy children that meet 20 minutes of school-day VPA.

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A Pilot Study Comparing Pedometer Counts with Reported Physical Activity in Elementary Schoolchildren

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.16.4.355 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 355-367 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Greet Cardon ◽

Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Step Count ◽

Regression Equations ◽

Moderate Correlation ◽

Daily Step ◽

Step Counts ◽

Daily Step Count

In this study pedometer counts were recorded for 6 consecutive days for 92 children (mean age = 9.6 years; range 6.5–12.7) and were compared with the number of minutes per day in which the participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Diaries filled out with the assistance of one of the children’s parents were used to determine minutes of MVPA. The average daily step count was significantly higher in boys than in girls, although the average daily MVPA engagement in minutes did not vary significantly between genders. Based on the regression equations, 60 min of MVPA was equivalent to 15,340 step counts in boys, 11,317 step counts in girls, and 13,130 step counts when results for both genders were combined. A moderate correlation (r = .39, p < .001) was found between pedometer step counts and reported minutes of MVPA. According to the present study findings, however, predictions and promotion of daily MVPA engagement in children based on pedometer counts per day should be made with caution.

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Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Step Count Compilation for Elementary-Aged Youth Participating in Summer Camp Activities

Journal of Park and Recreation Administration ◽

10.18666/jpra-2021-11092 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Zachary Wahl-Alexander

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Summer Camp ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Excess Weight ◽

Step Count ◽

Summer Camps ◽

Step Counts ◽

Residential Camp

The summer months have recently been identified as a time of the year when children gain excess weight. Despite contrary beliefs, youth are more susceptible to weight gain and fitness losses during this time. Summer camps have been identified as a possible solution to reduce declines in overall health during these months. The purpose of this study was to establish expected step counts and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) values for a variety of activities in one residential camp. Participants included 188 campers (M age = 8.7). Sessions included a variety of invasion, target, net/wall and fitness activities. Step counts and MVPA were tracked across 51 days, incorporating 839 activity sessions using a NL–1000 (New Lifestyle Inc., Lee Summit, MO, USA) accelerometer to track campers’ activity. Means and steps/minute were calculated for each activity. Invasion games represented the greatest opportunity for campers to engage in physical activity. Findings are useful for researchers and practitioners to evaluate physical activity and MVPA at camp settings.

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Comparison of Pedometer and Accelerometer Measures of Physical Activity in Preschool Children

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.19.2.205 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 205-214 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

Greet Cardon ◽

Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Preschool Children ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Step Count ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Accelerometer Data ◽

Strongly Correlated ◽

Daily Step ◽

Step Counts ◽

Daily Step Count

In this study, daily step counts were recorded for 4 consecutive days in 129 four- and five-year-old children. To compare daily Yamax Digiwalker step counts with minutes of engagement in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), concurrent accelerometer data were collected in a random subsample (n = 76). The average daily step count was 9,980 (± 2,605). Step counts and MVPA minutes were strongly correlated (r = .73, p < .001). The daily step count of 13,874, equating to 1-hr MVPA engagement, was reached by 8% of the children. Daily step counts in preschool children give valid information on physical activity levels—daily step counts in preschoolers are low.

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Abstract P178: Pedometer Feedback Intervention Increases Time Spent in Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.127.suppl_12.ap178 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽

Author(s):

Cemal Ozemek ◽

Wonwoo Byun ◽

Katrina Riggin ◽

Scott Strath ◽

Leonard Kaminsky

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Step Count ◽

Intensity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Daily Step ◽

Light Physical Activity ◽

Step Counts

Introduction: Pedometer feedback with step goals has previously been demonstrated to be effective in increasing daily steps in cardiac rehabilitation patients. These monitors allow the individual to track steps taken during a day, which may influence the frequency or duration of structured physical activity that is intended to achieve a step goal. However, it is not known whether an increase in step counts by pedometer feedback with step goals also increases time spent in recommended intensity levels for improved health, specifically moderate-to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), in cardiac rehabilitation patients. Hypothesis: Pedometer feedback with weekly step goals will increase time spent in MVPA, mediated by an increase in step counts in cardiac rehabilitation patients. Methods: A total of 31 (22 men and 9 women, age 62 ± 9 years) patients participated in a 12-week maintenance cardiac rehabilitation, pedometer based step goal intervention. Prior to the intervention, each subject’s one week baseline average daily step count was measured and 10% of this value was used to increase step goals during the intervention. Each week the step goal was met, the following week’s goal was appropriately increased. However, if the step goal for the week was not achieved, the step goal would not increase until the goal was fulfilled. Additionally, daily step counts and time spent in MVPA and light physical activity were assessed at baseline (without pedometer feedback) and for each intervention week (with pedometer feedback) using a Kenz Lifecorder PLUS monitor (Nagoya, Japan). Average time spent in light physical activity (activity level of 1-2) and MVPA (activity levels ≥3), were determined according to activity intensity level defined by the manufacturer’s analyses program. Results: The average step count for the baseline week was 5546 ± 2679 steps/day which significantly increased to 8348± 3613 steps/day by week 12 (p<0.01). The average time spent in MVPA also significantly increased (p<0.01) from 19 ± 16 min/day at baseline to 38 ± 23 min/day at week 12. In addition, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in time spent in light physical activity from baseline (42 ± 18 min/day) to week 12 (51 ± 24 min/day). Conclusion: Findings of this study demonstrate that a 12-week pedometer feedback-based intervention was effective in increasing time spent in MVPA in maintenance cardiac rehabilitation patients. Cardiac rehabilitation facilities can utilize pedometer feedback and goal setting to promote increases in time spent in recommended activity levels previously associated with improved health outcomes.

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Correction: Medical-Grade Physical Activity Monitoring for Measuring Step Count and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity: Validity and Reliability Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.12576 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Myles William O'Brien ◽

William Robert Wojcik ◽

Jonathon Richard Fowles

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Activity Monitoring ◽

Step Count ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Reliability Study ◽

Physical Activity Monitoring ◽

Medical Grade

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Patterns of Objectively Measured Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Preschool Children

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2012-0163 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1233-1238 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Mareesa O’Dwyer ◽

Stuart J. Fairclough ◽

Nicola Diane Ridgers ◽

Zoe Rebecca Knowles ◽

Lawrence Foweather ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Preschool Children ◽

Young Children ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

After School ◽

Home Environments ◽

Low Levels ◽

Objectively Measured ◽

Full Day

Background:Identifying periods of the day which are susceptible to varying levels of physical activity (PA) may help identify key times to intervene and potentially change preschool children’s PA behaviors. This study assessed variability of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during weekdays and weekend days among preschool children.Methods:One hundred and eighty-eight children (aged 3 to 5 years; 53.2% boys) from a northwest English city wore uni-axial accelerometers for 7 consecutive days.Results:Higher levels of MVPA were recorded in boys, particularly those who attended preschool for a half day. Children who attended preschool for a full day engaged in 11.1 minutes less MVPA than children who attended for a half day. After-school hours were characterized by a decrease in activity for all groups. Patterns of activity during the weekend were smoother with less variability.Conclusion:This study identified discrete segments of the week, specifically afterschool and during the weekend, when preschoolers engage in low levels of PA. Higher levels of MVPA among children who attended preschool for less time each day suggests that the structured preschool environment is related to decreased activity. Consequently, there is a need for interventions in young children to focus on school and home environments.

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A Pilot Intervention Using Gamification to Enhance Student Participation in Classroom Activity Breaks

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16214082 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (21) ◽

pp. 4082 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lexie R. Beemer ◽

Tiwaloluwa A. Ajibewa ◽

Gabriel DellaVecchia ◽

Rebecca E. Hasson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Game Design ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Student Participation ◽

Sixth Grade ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Classroom Activity ◽

Design Elements ◽

Health Enhancing Physical Activity

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding game design elements (goal setting, feedback, and external rewards) to an evidence-based physical activity intervention to increase in-class physical activity participation (intensity of activity breaks performed). Nine third- through sixth-grade classrooms (n = 292 students) in one elementary-middle school in Detroit, Michigan (49% female, 95% nonwhite; 80% qualified for free/reduced lunch) participated in this 20-week intervention where teachers implemented 5 × 4 min moderate-to-vigorous activity breaks per day. Gamification of activity breaks occurred during weeks 13–20 of the intervention and included the use of game design elements and classroom goals for activity break intensity. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during activity breaks was measured via direct observation. There was a significant effect of intervention with a 27% increase in student MVPA participation during the gamified intervention weeks compared with the standard intervention weeks (p = 0.03). Gamification of activity breaks resulted in 55% (compared with 25% during the standard intervention) of students accumulating approximately 20 min of health-enhancing physical activity per day in their classroom. These findings provide preliminary evidence that gamifying activity breaks may be an important strategy for increasing student participation in classroom activity breaks.

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Proximity to School and Physical Activity Among Middle School Girls: The Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls Study

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.3.s1.s129 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 3 (s1) ◽

pp. S129-S138 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Deborah A. Cohen ◽

Scott Ashwood ◽

Molly Scott ◽

Adrian Overton ◽

Kelly R. Evenson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Middle School ◽

Adolescent Girls ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Sixth Grade ◽

Middle School Girls ◽

School Time ◽

Shortest Distance ◽

School Girls ◽

Reduced Time

Background:Proximity to routine destinations is an important correlate of physical activity. We examined the association between distance from school and physical activity in adolescent girls.Methods:We mapped the addresses of 1554 sixth-grade girls who participated in the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls (TAAG) Study and calculated the shortest distance from home to school along the street network. Using a hierarchical design we examined the association between MET-weighted moderate to vigorous physical activity (MW- MVPA) and distance to school, while controlling for potential confounders.Results:Distance to school was inversely associated with weekday MW- MVPA for middle school girls. For every mile the girls lived from their schools, they engaged in an average of 13 fewer MET-weighted minutes per week.Conclusions:Distance to school is inversely associated with MW-MVPA. The most adversely affected girls lived more than 5 miles from school. Time spent commuting could explain reduced time for physical activity.

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