A pedometer typically is used for measuring steps and distance, but can include more advanced features that include estimating calories and heart rate monitoring functions. The most advanced pedometer today, the Hydra-Pedometer, can measure fluid loss and keep the user continually informed to their current state of hydration.
Technological advancements have found that using just a few inputs, (i.e. sex, weight, and height), safe and accurate fluid loss predictions can be made using a pedometer. Temperature sensors and humidity inputs are built directly into the Hydra-pedometer so accurate fluid loss estimates can be made in even the most extreme weather conditions.
No longer are pedometer users required to step off a stride length on a measuring tape or walk or jog laps on running track. Instead your stride length will be predicted based on your height, and subtle adjustments will be made to your stride depending on your speed of movement. In essence the stride length programmed into the hydra-pedometer adjusts itself as your walking and running speeds change.
Another major advancement is the ability of the pedometer to adjust for different body dimensions. Because one user may be twice as big as another, does not mean they would burn twice as many calories performing the same activity. Would the same user have twice the blood volume? twice the lung capacity? twice the oxygen consumption of someone half their size? The Hydra-pedometer technology uses a “Compensated MET” algorithm that can make the proper adjustment for body dimension for any sized individual. The resulting accuracy in predicting metabolic variables, such as calories or fluid loss, extends far beyond that of any standard pedometer on the market today.
The human body is capable of wide fluctuations in the rates of normal fluid loss in an individual. Using the Hydra-pedometer as a tool for estimating fluid replacement showed the ability to keep the user within the optimal range of hydration for peak performance. Recent research has compared the thirst mechanism with that of actual fluid loss and found that as many as 63% of exercisers will underestimate the amount of fluid replacement they need after physical activity.
Fig.1: Actual fluid loss compared to Hydra-Pedometer estimates, and estimates made by Thirst as a guide to fluid replacement with exercise. Red box indicates 25-75 percentiles fell within this range. Solid line through the box indicates the median score, and the vertical bars extending from the box’s indicates the range seen in the subjects studied.
The vertical axis of the graph shows range of relative fluid loss in a study population. The use of the Hydra-pedometer would put users in the optimal range of hydration throughout a twenty-four hour period. Using thirst as a guide to fluid replacement over time can put the average individual at risk of dehydration in extended or more intense physical activity.In essence the new Hydra-pedometer can provide reliable and safe recommendations for your fluid replacement, and optimize your physical performance throughout the whole day.