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Are English-Language Pedometer Instructions Readable?

Authors: Lorraine S, Wallace; Kenneth, Bielak; Brian, Linn;

Are English-Language Pedometer Instructions Readable?

Abstract

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.Conclusion: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.

Related Organizations
Keywords

Information Dissemination, Communication, Communication Barriers, Statistics as Topic, Age Factors, Walking, Motor Activity, Health Literacy, Reading, Exercise Test, Humans, Comprehension, Exercise, Health Education, Language

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Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
5
Average
Average
Average
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