Pedometers as an Effective Tool for Measuring Physical Activity in Young Females in Saudi Arabia

Background: Pedometers are inexpensive and valid tools for monitoring physical activity. This study aimed to validate pedometers as an alternative option to Arab Teens Lifestyle (ATLS) questionnaire for evaluating physical activity in Saudi Arabia young women. Methods: Ninety-nine female students, aged 19-23, were recruited at a female University in Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia. Participants wore HJ-203 OMRON pedometer for 7 consecutive days and at the end, they completed the part of ATLS questionnaire related to physical activity. Results: Step count was significantly associated with total time spent on all physical activities (r=0.284; p=0.027) and time spent on high-intensity physical activities (r=0.308; p=0.006) but not with time spent on moderate-intensity physical activities (r=0.184; p=0.145). Step count showed a significant association with time spent in walking (r=0.289; p=0.008), one of the most frequent activities. Mean step count, low in both groups, was significantly higher in the group of active students compared to the inactive (6447±2426 vs 5035±2426; p=0.029). Conclusion: This study encourages the use of pedometers instead of questionnaires to evaluate physical activity. Pedometers can also be a useful tool to promote physical activity in a population of Arab young female students, where walking is the most usual form of exercising.