Bravata DM et al. (2007) Using pedometers to increase physical activity and improve health: a systematic review. JAMA 298: 2296–2304

Pedometers have increasingly been used to promote physical activity, yet there is little evidence that this motivational method is effective. Bravata and colleagues performed a systematic review to assess the relationship between pedometer use, physical activity and health outcomes.

The researchers examined data from eight randomized controlled trials and found that participants who used pedometers walked an average of 2,491 more steps per day than did controls (95% CI 1,098–3,885; P <0.001). A similar effect was seen when interpreting the data from 18 observational studies that were also analyzed in the review. These studies showed that physical activity was increased by 2,183 steps per day among pedometer users compared with controls (95% CI 1,571–2,796; P <0.001).

Combining the study populations enrolled in the randomized controlled trials and observational studies yielded a total cohort of 2,767 patients (mean age 49 years, 85% women). The BMI of participants who used pedometers decreased by 0.38 from baseline (P = 0.03)—an effect that was significantly associated with increasing age, increasing percentage of white participants and the setting of a step goal in combination with pedometer use. Furthermore, participants who used pedometers had significant decreases in both systolic (3.8 mmHg; P <0.001) and diastolic (0.3 mmHg; P = 0.001) blood pressure.

The use of pedometers seems to encourage physical activity and result in short-term health improvements. Large randomized trials will be needed before the long-term effects of these devices can be fully understood.