Impact of Pedometer Use in Physical Education

The purpose of this study was to determine if pedometer use impacted physical activity levels of Elementary and Primary School students in a school-based setting. With the recent rise in obesity rates in the United States, schools are searching for ways to combat this epidemic.

Participants in this study consisted of a University Health and Physical Education class including 25 Health and Human Performance Licensure majors. The class participated in field-based experience in a school setting where the University students taught Health and Physical Education lessons during the Elementary and Primary students' recess time. University students used the same pedometer based warm-up activity with the public school participants. University students observed participants' attitude and exertion. Special attention was paid to the difference between pedometer use and no pedometer use among the participants during their recess time. Data was collected on the University students' qualitative and quantitative perceptions of attitude and exertion as well as the overall classroom climate. Qualitative data reported a significant difference in University students' perceptions of pedometer use in a school-based setting. Quantitative results indicated there was a significant difference in Elementary and Primary student exertion while students were wearing pedometers. Additionally, University students believed Elementary and Primary students were more engaged in the lesson while wearing pedometers.