Pedometers Reviews

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Pedometers Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Pedometers Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise	Pedometer Measures of Free-Living Physical Activity: Comparison of 13 Models P. Schneider, S. Crouter, D. Bassett Jr. Feb. 2004		This article abstract summarizes results of a clinical study conducted by the University of Tennessee in which 20 volunteers wore a control pedometer (the Yamax SW-200), and one of 12 other pedometers simultaneously. According to the study, five models "significantly underestimated" steps taken at the end of the day. Three others "significantly overestimated" total steps. The Kenz Lifecorder, New-Lifestyles NL-2000 and Yamax SW-200 are rated as most accurate. Nothing but accuracy is tested here.
2. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise	Accuracy and Reliability of 10 Pedometers for Measuring Steps over a 400-m Walk P. Schneider, S. Crouter, D. Bassett Jr. Oct. 2003		This clinical study measures the accuracy of ten pedometers. The abstract doesn't disclose walking speed. Each volunteer wore two models of the same pedometer while a researcher counted their steps on a 400-meter walk. Interestingly, the Sportline SL330 is one of the pedometers judged least accurate, but in a study by the same research team the following year, this model is cited as one of the more accurate.
3. NEA Today	Picking a Pedometer Editors of NEA Today Jan. 2008		NEA Today is the magazine of the National Education Association. In this detailed article, five pedometers are evaluated by a professor of exercise and health science at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Dr. Scott Crouter has used the Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200 in studies and feels that it is the best choice for people of normal weight. The Freestyle Pacer Pro and the Sportline Fitness Pro 360 both have many features, such as a two-line display and a sleep function, but neither is as "durable or accurate as the Digi-Walker." In tests, Dr. Crouter says the Freestyle Pacer Pro also undercounted steps. New-Lifestyles NL-2000 is the "gold standard" and it measures "more accurately for all body sizes and at slower walking speeds." The Omron HJ-112 can be worn at different places besides the waist. Pedometers with a spring mechanism such as the Yamax, Freestyle and Sportline have their accuracy "affected by girth and pedometer tilt." Omron and New-Lifestyles use an accelerometer instead of a spring, which has been proven to be more accurate.
4. Prevention.com	We Test It: Pedometers Denise Foley and Tanya Beers July 10. 2006		The editors test 38 pedometers using methodology based on a 2004 study from the University of Tennessee. All are compared to the Yamax SW-200 Digi-Walker, the "gold standard of pedometer accuracy." In addition, the editors verified measurements against a treadmill and asked staffers to count steps, comparing their results with the pedometers' calculations. Nine pedometers were chosen as winners for being accurate, and they are listed in ascending order of price. Unfortunately, editors don't disclose the pedometers that didn't make the cut, and the nine favorites aren't ranked -- so the report isn't as complete as it could be.
5. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Pedometers - Walking By the Numbers Editors of Consumer Reports Oct. 2004		Consumer Reports offers one of the most thorough reviews we found. Twelve pedometers that count steps are tested and evaluated. Three speed-and-distance monitors are also tested. Volunteers wore the pedometers while walking on treadmills. In tests, just three of the basic pedometers were accurate within 5% at a walking speed of 2.5 mph. But eleven of the 12 basic models were accurate at 3.5 mph. The pedometers are rated in three categories: accuracy, ease of use and features. The article also has a section on how to choose a pedometer.
6. Money Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Field test: Pedometers Charles Passy July 2007		This field test is part of a longer article by Charles Passy called "Watch Your Steps." Two testers (a heavy man and a petite woman) test five pedometers by using each model three times, walking 100 paces each time. Although reviewer Charles Passy says that many pedometers can be off by as much as 40%, the five models tested here were all within 6%. The Omron Pocket HJ-720ITC is top-rated as most accurate and easiest to use. Interestingly, the lowest rating goes to the New-Lifestyles NL-2000, a model that's scored well in other reviews. Passy says this model overcounted more than other models.
7. Choice.com.au >> Details/Subscribe	Pedometers Editors of Choice.com.au Oct. 2004		Choice is an Australian counterpart to Consumer Reports. In this article, ten pedometers are tested, and four are chosen for accuracy within 5%. The favorite is the Yamax Digi-Walker SW-700, which is small, easy to use and has a calorie counter. It also stays in place very well. The Go-the-Distance Walk Run Fit AFSD is liked for its small size, but a few testers said the device fell off.
8. About.com	Top 10 Best Pedometers Wendy Bumgardner June 21, 2007		About.com's guide to walking, Wendy Bumgardner, lists her top ten pedometers. There are links to her reviews of each model. The reviews themselves focus on features, but it appears some of them were tested firsthand, while others are said to have been recommended by various other sources. The Omron HJ-112 sits in the number-one spot, followed by the Yamax Digi-Walker CW-701. The pedometers are not compared to one another, and we're not sure why some models are ranked more highly than others. (Note that ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com/The New York Times Company.)

Pedometers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Pedometers Ratings Comments on Reviews

9. Natural Health >> Details/Subscribe	Pedometers Karen Asp Apr. 2007		In this article, four pedometers are recommended for their "useful features." Models covered include the Accusplit Eagle 1790 WPR, the Brunton Red Alert, the New-Lifestyles NL-1000 and the WalkStyles DashTrak. This write-up focuses mainly on features, and it doesn't appear that any models were tested for accuracy.
10. Amazon.com	Pedometers Contributors to Amazon.com As of Mar. 2008		Readers are invited to write product reviews at Amazon.com. Sportline and Omron pedometers get the largest number of reviews. Interestingly, the highly regarded Yamax brand is not represented here, but Accusplit, the private label version of Yamax, gets good reviews. The Omron HJ-112 gets an overwhelming number of reviews - close to 1,400 comments. Overall, Amazon.com has reviews of many more pedometers than does Epinions. However, most of the ratings are similar enough that it's hard to get an overall idea of which might be better.
11. Pedometers.com	The Anatomy of a Pedometer Editors of Pedometers.com 2004		This website was created by electrical engineers who offer a series of articles on all aspects of pedometers. There are also reviews on numerous pedometers based on the research found in medical journals. Each pedometer gets an overall score and ratings in seven categories, including accuracy, reliability, durability and battery life. The best pedometers are those in the Yamax Digi-Walker SW series. The New-Lifestyles NL-2000 is highly accurate due to its accelerometer. The editors write, "One recent study shows accelerometers are more accurate at any walking speed, even slower speeds." They add that Highgear Fitware has "good accuracy at all walking speeds."
12. Good Housekeeping.com >> Details/Subscribe	Pedometers Editors of Good Housekeeping Not Dated		In this short article, editors say that seven pedometers were tested. However, the article only identifies the models judged best. Editors don't explain how they tested, and nothing in the write-up conveys any particular testing methodology. This review focuses mainly on features. Editors say the Sportline 350 Pedometer Trainer is accurate and easy to use, but they don't elaborate further.
13. NPR	Pedometer Fitness Fad Takes Off Allison Aubrey May 16, 2005		This short article discusses the findings of a University of Tennessee study that measured pedometer accuracy. Dr. David Basset, a co-author of the study, is quoted on which pedometers were best rated in the study: the Yamax SW-200, Yamax SW-701, New-Lifestyles NL-2000 and Kenz Lifecorder. Articles all over the Internet reference this university study.
14. Joe Weider's Muscle & Fitness >> Details/Subscribe	Pedometer Particulars Tim Scheett Jan. 2007		This article discusses the result of a Belgian study in which inexpensive pedometers were tested. Included are models given away for free and those under $10. All the pedometers were compared to the Yamax Digi-Walker, which is considered by many researchers to be one of the most accurate pedometers available. If a tested model deviated from the Yamax by 10% or more, it was deemed inaccurate. About 26% of the pedometers were rated as accurate, but 37% were found to be inaccurate by at least 50%. The advice is to avoid cheap pedometers and do research to find the best model.
15. Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter >> Details/Subscribe	10 Healthy Gift Ideas for This Holiday Season Editors of Health & Nutrition Letter Nov. 2006		According to this short article, one of the best gadgets to buy as a gift is the Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200, which is "respected for its excellent reliability and accuracy." This model is also easy to use.

Pedometers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Pedometers Ratings Comments on Reviews

16. Business Week >> Details/Subscribe	Untitled Toddi Gutner Aug, 15, 2005		Toddi Gutner tested two pedometers, the SportBrain iStep and WalkStyles DashTrak, for a month. Her favorite is the DashTrak. With its slim design, this model can be worn securely under clothing. Ease of use is the main criterion; Gutner does not attempt to measure accuracy.
17. Fitness Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	The Best Home Gym Equipment for Any Budget Nicole Dorsey Apr. 2006		For those on a low budget, reviewer Nicole Dorsey recommends the Walking Fit Kit by Gaiam for cardiovascular fitness. This $15 kit includes an easy-to-use pedometer, plus it comes with an instructional CD that motivates you to lose weight by walking. Ms. Dorsey writes, "Walking instructor Madeleine Lewis offers technique tips on maximizing your calorie burn, from taking smaller strides to pumping your arms at your sides." The article compares this kit to a pricey elliptical cross-trainer, but doesn't say if either one would be better than the other.
18. PC Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	Walk This Way Jennifer DeLeo Jan. 1, 2008		This review briefly discusses the Omron Pocket Pedometer which will work if you carry it in your hand, purse or bag because of its "dual sensor technology." The LCD screen displays the number of steps you have walked in a day and stores such information for 41 days. No mention is made as to whether this pedometer was tested.
19. Epinions	Pedometers Contributors to Epinions As of Mar. 2008		Not many pedometers are reviewed here, and those that are mostly get just one or two reviews -- not enough to draw any big conclusions. Once you have your choice narrowed down, it might make sense to check here for any user reviews, though we found a larger quantity of reviews at Amazon.com.
20. WalkerTracker.com	Pedometers Editors of WalkerTracker.com As of Mar. 2008		This site is a community of walkers who keep track of the number of steps they have walked. The Omron HJ-112 is the recommended pedometer because it is the most frequently purchased model by members of this website. Close to 540 members own one. Over 100 users rate the HJ-112 and give it very good ratings overall. Generic pedometers and the Go Walking by Sportline are also popular with members but both get only a few reviews. Well-known pedometers like the Digi-Walker SW-200 are also listed.
21. OutdoorReview.com	Pedometers Contributors to OutdoorReview.com As of Mar. 2008		This site has user reviews of outdoor equipment and resorts. Only five pedometers are rated and reviewed, and all of them get fewer than four reviews. The New-Lifestyles Digi-Walker SW-701 gets the highest rating, but only three reviews. Too few pedometers are rated for this to be a very useful review source.
22. Health >> Details/Subscribe	Best of Fitness 2007: Gear Gina Lombardi Jan./Feb. 2007		According to this article in Health magazine, the best in fitness gadgets includes the New Balance VIA Pedometer with Panic Alarm. No mention is made of how Gina Lombardi, a certified fitness trainer, made her choices. This pedometer isn't compared to others, and no mention is made of testing.
23. National Center on Physical Activity and Disability	Pedometers Editors of NCPAD May 10, 2006		The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability is an information center affiliated with the University of Illinois at Chicago. In this multi-part article, the editors discuss what pedometers are and how to use them to achieve physical activity goals. Editors feel that physical activity of any kind promotes good health. This guide on how to buy a pedometer is useful to everyone, regardless of disability. No pedometers are tested or rated, however.
24. WiseGeek.com	How Does a Pedometer Work? Diana Bocco Not Dated		This short article explains what a pedometer is and how it works. The editors also offer suggestions on how to use this device to achieve fitness goals. There are no specific recommendations, though Diana Bocco writes that there is "currently no pedometer in the market that is 100 percent accurate, but more expensive models such as the ones produced by Nike Sports are close to the mark."
25. TheRunnersGuide.com	Guide to Buying a Pedometer Editors of TheRunnersGuide.com Not Dated		The site is for all things related to running. This article discusses how to buy a pedometer for runners. Topics such as price, durability and function are described in detail. There are no recommendations here, but it is suggested that people read reviews by actual users before making a purchase.