Effect of Using Tri-Axial (3D) Sensor-Assisted Pedometer Measuring Moderate- to High-Intensity Physical Activity on Body Composition: Randomised Controlled Trial

Objective: The effect of tracking the recommended dose of physical activity with pedometer on body composition was investigated. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to control, walking (PAC) and pedometer (PAC-PED) groups, and moderate-to high-intensity physical activity was prescribed. The participants performed the recommended exercises in PAC group by taking notes on follow-up cards, in PAC-PED group by pedometer, and in control group without a follow-up. Results: A total of 50 participants, 23 in the control group, 11 in the PAC group and 16 in the PAC-PED group, were completed. The average age of all participants was 47.1 +/- 12.8 (25 - 81), the proportion of women and men was 74% and 26%, respectively. The mean body mass index of the participants was 29.7 +/- 5.5 kg / m(2) and body fat ratio was 33.8 +/- 8.5. Participants were followed up for an average of 2.0 +/- 1.2 [0.5 - 6.3] months. There was a significant decrease in body weight in all groups. Body fat percentage did not change in the control group, but significantly decreased in the PAC and PAC-PED groups. Conclusion: While individual follow-up by card in patients with moderate-to high-intensity physical activity reduces body fat ratio, individual follow-up by pedometer reduces body fat ratio even more. Body fat ratio does not change when individual follow-up is not performed.