Pedometers (and a web site!) Motivate Diabetics To Walk More

Filed in archive Diabetics' Device , Exercise , Lifestyle , Research on November 20, 2007

Pedometers are handy electronic devices used in counting steps, measuring distanced walked and calories lost - especially handy to those recovering from a heart condition and also those trying to lose weight or those diabetics needing the exercise.




Now, according to a recent walking study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan Health System and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, pedometer and a web site tracked physical activity levels proved to be powerful Motivators for people with diabetes.

The study also suggests that certain types of goal-setting may be more effective than others All participants in the study wore pedometers and received automated weekly goals that were based on their previous week's walking activity.

For half of the participants these goals were "lifestyle goals," meaning that any step taken during the day counted. The other half received "structured goals," in which only steps taken during long walks that lasted at least 10 minutes
counted. These participants had a smaller target number of steps to take in a day than the lifestyle group.

So anybody here using a pedometer?

Find more details from the University of Michigan Health System.