Cause of step count inconsistency

ann121212

I went for a walk today just using the vivofit (no hrm), I wanted to explore why I was getting the occasional weird step count.

I briskly walked 100 steps (counted them in my head) - vivofit read between 60-70 steps (did this numerous times and all readings were between these marks)

I ran 100 steps - readings between 98-100 (again numerous times)

I walked average speed - readings between 98-100

I walked briskly with my arms bent (similar to running) - readings between 98-100 - hmmmm

I walked briskly with my hands in my pocket - readings between 98-100 - hmmm I might be on to something

I walked briskly with my arm held stiff down by my side - readings between 98-100 - definitely on to something

I walked briskly swinging my arm freely - readings between 60-70 - yip looks like the arm swing interferes with the readings

I walked briskly with smaller controlled arm swings - readings between 98-100 - Jackpot, problem isolated.

It appears I have been losing around 3000 steps for every hour of brisk walking I have been doing - not nice.
If anyone has the time (and the inclination) could you also test out the brisk walk with arm swing to see if it affects your vivofit.
Thanks.

maryleere

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. I have been noticing the inconsistencies but had no idea why they were happening.

FromHereOnOut

following (just got mine)