Smartphone apps unreliable for fitness tracking, says new Research

A recent University of Toronto study of pedometer apps Runtastic, Moves and Accupedo suggests “the most commonly downloaded smartphone applications are neither valid nor consistent in measuring step counts.”

U of T researchers ran a number of tests to measure the precision of these three pedometer apps, the most popular in their category, which are compatible with Android and Apple devices.

The study was led by Guy Faulkner, a professor of kinesiology and physical education, and Krystn Orr, a master’s student in exercise sciences, and published in the journal RMC Research Notes in November.

Subjects used the apps in a variety of scenarios. Most basic was a simple, 20-step test during which they wore a traditional pedometer on their hip and held the phone in their hand.

In each instance, the pedometer was pretty much accurate, but the phone apps were off by about five per cent. Similar results were found after a 40-step stair climb test, a treadmill test and three days of unstructured regular activity.

Researchers also found that the tools were not quite as smart as they claimed. When one researcher found her phone tallied steps when she was actually stuck in traffic, they were inspired to add a driving test. They found that with each app, the GPS tool interpreted slow car motion as walking.

“There is ‘an unacceptable error percentage in all of the applications when compared to the pedometer,'” researchers said.

“Self-evaluation can be very effective in lifestyle change as well, so it is important that people are getting the most accurate information possible and using tools they can trust,” said Krystn Orr.

“The traditional pedometer is probably the most reliable and cost-effective tool for tracking your steps,” Orr added.

Agencies/Canadajournal