How Do Step Trackers Work?
Also known as a pedometer, a step tracker is a device that counts the number of steps a person takes. Today, they usually come in fitness trackers and smartwatches that monitor other body functions.
With wearables being more popular, lots of people depend on step trackers to help them reach their fitness and health goals. Even companies encourage their employees to count and log their steps to reduce workplace inactivity. This increased dependence begs the question, “How do step trackers work?”
Fundamentally, Step Trackers Work With Accelerometers
Earlier step trackers from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries used a pendulum-like mechanism to track steps. The pendulum would have a ball attached to its end, and as people walked, it swung. Then, each swing would mark a step.
However, today’s step trackers have accelerometers, a type of motion sensor that tracks movement by measuring speed and direction changes. For instance, accelerometers arehow your phone knows when to rotate.
More modern accelerometers in step trackers measure movement along X, Y, and Z axes, so they monitor three-dimensional movement and are more accurate.
Gyroscopes
Some step trackers also have gyroscopes, a type of motion sensor that monitors orientation and angular movement. In simpler terms, gyroscopes monitor your body’s movement relative to the body part on which you wear the step tracker. So, they can figure out that you simply raised your hand and would not count that as a step.
Gyroscopes also track rotational movements like twists and turns. Accelerometers cannot do this effectively because they are limited to tracking movement in planes.
Are Step Trackers Accurate?
Step tracker technology has come a long way, so much you’d hardly find wearables that only track steps now. Wearable devices andsmartwatches have multiple sensorsthat not only count steps but also measure heartbeat, activity, blood pressure, and more.
A 2020 study published in theInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Healthlooked at 18 healthy adults who used various step-tracking technology: smartphones and wrist-worn and ankle-worn fitness trackers. The study found that smartphones and ankle-worn step trackers were more accurate than wrist-worn ones. This is mainly because wrist-worn wearable devices sometimes track hand movements as steps.
The study also showed that step trackers count steps more accurately during continuous or brisk walking, better than slower paces and intermittent walking. Nonetheless, the study measured a mean average percentage error (MAPE) of less than 3% for some of the devices used.
In a nutshell, today’s step trackers generally have a low error margin, and accuracy depends on the type of wearable and the manufacturer.
Use a Step Tracking Medium That Works for You
Don’t worry too much about the exact numbers on your step tracker or whether it is accurate. The number of steps you should take is just a general guideline. Just use the most convenient option, one you’re able to stick to and progress with.
Nonetheless, if you prefer wrist-worn wearables, remember to wear them on your non-dominant hand. This will increase the chances of an accurate reading as you don’t use that hand much.
Sleep trackers aim to help you understand what affects your sleep so that you could improve it. Learn all about how these devices work in this guide.
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