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Step Count (step + count)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%

Selected Abstracts

Physical activity of older Australians measured by pedometry

AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, Issue 3 2009
Ben Ewald
Aim:, To established population norms for pedometer determined step counts in older Australians. Methods:, A representative sample of 684 participants over the age of 55 years wore a pedometer for a week in Newcastle, Australia. Results:, Response rate was 32%. Median daily step count was 8605 in those aged 55,59 years declining to 3778 in those over 80 years old. The proportion who reached 8000 steps per day was 62% in those 55,59 years and 12% in those over 80 years. Daily step counts were highest on Thursdays and Fridays and least on Sundays. Weekend days had on average 620 less steps than weekdays. After adjusting for age, there was a negative association of step count with body mass index >30, and with a history of arthritis but no significant association with other demographic variables. Conclusion:, Pedometry is feasible in an elderly sample, and research involving pedometers must take days of the week into account. [source]

Movement skills proficiency and physical activity: A case for Engaging and Coaching for Health (EACH),Child

AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009
Jenny Ziviani
Background/aim:,Supporting children's participation in health-enhancing physical activities is an important occupational goal for therapists. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are thought to underpin and enable many activity options. This study had two goals: first, to examine the relationship between fundamental movement skills (FMS) and physical activity, and second, to use this and existing evidence to inform strategies whereby children's motivation for and engagement in physical activity can be supported. Methods:,A cross-sectional investigation of 124 children, aged 6,12 years, was undertaken. FMS were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC) and physical activity by pedometer step counts. Results:,A weak but significant association was found between weekend physical activity and balance skills for girls. Correlations between physical activity and ball skills or manual dexterity were not significant for either gender, however, having age appropriate ball skills did result in greater but not significant levels of physical activity for all children when grouped together. Conclusions:,Findings from this study question the magnitude of the relationship between children's FMS and physical activity as measured by pedometers. If the goal of health enhancement through physical activity engagement is to be realised, it is proposed that community, occupation-based approaches may offer more potential than skills-based interventions at increasing activity participation. The concept of Engaging and Coaching for Health (EACH)-Child is introduced to this end. Occupational therapists are encouraged to work collaboratively with school and community organisations to assist children to find the physical activities that best accommodate their interests, abilities and offer opportunities for lifelong engagement. [source]