Pedometers and podiatry

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Netizens

Am really taken with the popularity of the pedometers and cannot help wondering what innovative foot health initiatives have been implement by podiatry associations which involve popular phenomenon. Positive aging and major finding given to promote walking and exercise is certainly on the political agenda in the US , UK and Australia so this would would appear a very fertile area for podiatry.

What say you?

Cameron

 

Dave Armstrong and others have done some good work on the use of the more sophisticated pedometers and the monitoring of activity in those with diabetes and using it to boost patient compliance.

 

Non-pods cashing in

Hi Cameron,

From what I've seen, it seems to be the 'non-podiatrists' cashing in on the whole pedometer craze. There's been the 10,000 steps campaign and even Special K ran a promo with pedometers last year.

I think we podiatrists may have missed the boat with this one??

Katrina

 

Pedometers.

The conception that Podiatry has missed the opportunity with pedometers maybe correct, but from what perspective?
Take the 10,000 Steps Project mentioned. This is a result 1. of the pyysical activity project that was researched and put together by Sports Medicine Australia. It was the result of a 2 year study and collation of facts on physical activity for the maintenance of health in the individual as well as assisting people with pathology to increase their health and activity levels.
It has been presented and accepeted by the Commonwealth Gov. and now is a standard document on Physical Activity.
2. This information was taken up by Prof. Kerry Mummery and Prof Wendy Brown and converted into the 10,000 Steps program. It was designed for doctors and health practitioners to use in their practices.
Podaitry has not got the ability to construct such a program bearing in mnd the level of science behind it. The exercise scientist, cardiologist, endocrinologist etc have put this together. It is sitting there for all practitioners to publicise, utilise for patients and follow through with patients compliance. Why recreate the wheel, it is being handed to you on a plater. It is easy to use and all the info is readily available.
Marilyn

 

All good points Marilyn,

I guess I am just looking at the project from a PR perspective as far as getting mass media coverage for something versus using something as a health promotion tool within a podiatry setting.

Katrina

 

Pedometrs.

Yes Katrina,
That is good, except Pods. must remember before embarking on a patient exercise programm they must have a clearance from their medico. We cannot take responsibility for an exercise programm with patients with any pathology
without this. This is where the 10,000 steps program is set up so Pods. or anyone can utilise it.
Marilyn