The equipment necessary to accurately
determine if PA is at a moderate or
vigorous intensity level is expensive (e.g.,
accelerometers) and cumbersome (e.g.,
portable metabolic systems). The
limitations of these tools make it difficult
for members of the general public who are
trying to improve their health to know if
they are performing PA at the correct
intensity level. However, cheaper and
simple alternatives can be used to
determine PA levels and describe activity
patterns. One of those tools is the
pedometer.