Is it Feasible to Use Students' Self-reported Step Data in a Local School Policy Process?

Objective: We examined students' self-reported step data and discussed the feasibility of using these data in a local school policy process. Methods: For 5 days during school hours, 281 students from grades 5–7 participating in a health education program, measured their steps using a pedometer. Results: The mean steps/school day of 5½ hours was 5215; 6072 steps for boys and 4317 for girls, representing 43% and 38% of daily recommendations, respectively. Independent of grade level, boys walked more than girls by 1798 steps. Steps declined with increasing grade level for both sexes. Conclusions: Student-collected data showed similar patterns as reported in the literature, and therefore, a feasible perspective could be to use students' self-reported step data in a local school policy process.