Are English-language pedometer instructions readable?
BACKGROUND
We evaluated readability and related features of English-language instructions accompanying pedometers, including reading grade level, layout/formatting characteristics, and emphasis of key points.


METHODS
We identified 15 pedometers currently available for purchase in the US. Reading grade level was calculated using Flesch-Kinkaid (FK) and SMOG formulas. Text point size was measured with a C-Thru Ruler. Page and illustration dimensions were measured to the nearest millimeter (mm) with a standard ruler. Layout features were evaluated using the criteria from the User-Friendliness Tool.


RESULTS
FK scores ranged from 8th to 11th grade, while SMOG scores ranged from 8th to 12th grade. Text point size averaged 6.9 +/- 1.9 (range = 4-11). Instructions averaged 8.7 +/- 9.0 (range = 0-36) illustrations, most about the size of a US quarter. While many instructions avoided use of specialty fonts (n = 12; 80.0%), most used a minimal amount of white space. Just 4 (26.7%) sets of instructions highlighted the target goal of 10,000 steps-per-day.


CONCLUSIONS
Pedometer instructions should be revised to meet the recommended 6th grade reading level. Paper size instructions are printed on should be enlarged, thereby allowing for larger text and illustrations, and additional white space. Recommended number of steps per day and proper pedometer positioning should also be predominantly highlighted.
Wallace
Lorraine S
LS
Dept of Family Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
Bielak
Kenneth
K
Linn
Brian
B
D000367:Age Factors; D003142:Communication; D003144:Communication Barriers; D032882:Comprehension; D015444:Exercise; D005080:Exercise Test; D006266:Health Education; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007802:Language; D009043:Motor Activity; D011932:Reading; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D016138:Walking