Using Wireless Pedometers to Measure Children's Physical Activity: A Pilot Study

• In Event: 53.082 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: 53.082-4 - Technology as an Agent of Change in Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to examine the reliability of a wireless pedometer in measuring elementary school children’s physical activity. Activity measurement using a wireless Fitbit Zip pedometer was compared to activity measurement using Yamax Digital-Walker SW701 for a group of randomly selected 25 children in Grades 3, 4, and 5. Inter-rater reliability was calculated to measure the reliability of Fitbit Zip wireless pedometer. Fitbit Zip wireless pedometer was found to be a reliable instrument in measuring physical activity in elementary school children. Additionally, the study’s participants reported that they enjoyed wearing the Fitbit Zip more than Yamax SW701. Participants shared that the Fitbit Zip was motivating and made them want to move more throughout the school day.

Authors

• Erik Jon Byker, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Tingting Xu, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Monica Gonzales, Lone Star College - Montgomery