Pros and cons
Pros
- Suitable for all populations including children
- Low participant burden
- Ease of data collection and analysis
- Generally cheap
- Suitable for large scale studies
- Quality models provide a valid and reliable measure of steps taken
- Can be used as a motivational tool
Cons
- Behaviour may alter in response to readings if step counts are visible
- Some subjects, particularly children may tamper with the monitor
- Can register ‘false’ activity with movement such as travelling on the underground or in a car
- It is not possible to assess intensity, frequency or duration of activity from pedometer data
- Not accurate method for the assessment of energy expenditure
- Some pedometers are reliant on the user logging their own step readings on a daily basis, and are therefore susceptible to recall bias