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What is the StepWatch™ Activity Monitor system?
How is the StepWatch™ different from a pedometer?
How often do I need to change the batteries?
Does the StepWatch™ count both steps on both legs?
Can the StepWatch™ count steps on a subject who shuffles?
What are the known StepWatch™ system issues?
What is the latest version of the StepWatch™ software?
What is the difference between StepWatch™ and StepWatch™?

1. What is the StepWatch™ Activity Monitor system?

The StepWatch™ Activity Monitor (SAM) system is a means of accurately measuring ambulatory activity (walking, running, etc.) and logging the data for up to two months per session. Specifically, the StepWatch™ counts steps per unit time (typically steps/minute) and stores that information in memory for download. It is worn at the ankle using straps or a cuff. Most users quickly forget that they are wearing it.

2. How is the StepWatch™ different from a pedometer?

The SAM differs from a pedometer in several ways. First, the SAM is highly accurate for all kinds of gait and walking styles. Reported accuracies in peer-reviewed publications consistently report accuracy of greater than 98%. (See our bibliography page.) Most pedometers report total steps since last reset and rely on the wearer to record this information. The SAM records steps per unit time (typically steps/minute) for long periods of time (up to 2 months when recording every minute) and requires no effort by the wearer to record this information. Data can be easily filtered (i.e. times selected for inclusion in analysis). The software automatically performs rich analyses of the data which can be tracked within the database, exported for use in other software, and/or printed as reports.

3. How often do I need to change the batteries?

Never. The StepWatch™ is a sealed unit. Its internal lithium ion battery will last approximately 7 years with constant use. It can then be returned to Orthocare Innovations for refurbishing, at which point the battery will be replaced and the unit will be recalibrated.

4. Does the StepWatch™ count both steps on both legs?

The StepWatch™ counts steps (or technically 'strides') on one leg - the leg on which it is worn.

5. Can the StepWatch™ count steps on a subject who shuffles?

Yes. The StepWatch™ is programmable, and when set to higher sensitivity it will accurately count steps even when the subject has a very gentle shuffling gait.

6. What are the known StepWatch™ system issues?

Monitor:
There are currently no known issues with the StepWatch™ 3 device.

Docking Station:
There are currently no known issues with the StepWatch™ Docking Station itself. However, since January 2006 when installing the StepWatch™ software on PC computers using Windows it is important to install the USB Driver provided from Orthocare Innovations rather than letting Windows New Hardware Wizard automatically install the driver it recommends. Follow the Installation Instructions from Orthocare Innovations. Because Windows has dynamic selection of ports for USB devices the selection of the communication port in Preferences sometimes needs to be reset. To do this, turn off the computer and unplug the dock. Turn on the computer and wait until it is fully running, then plug in the dock. Start the StepWatch™ program. If the dock's green light is not on, go to Preferences/Communications and select the port (usually the highest number).
Analysis Software:
StepWatch™ Analysis Software Version 3.1. is the current version if you are not using this version, contact Orthocare Innovations for an upgrade.
Printing:
Printing from a PC computer may produce unexpected results when using PCL printer drivers. Use Postscript drivers if available. It may also be necessary to set page margins to 0 in page setup. If you wish to copy and paste both text and graphs to other programs, for the graphs use Paste Special and choose the picture (or bitmap) option to paste them. Alternatively, copy and paste all the graphs you want before you copy and paste the text.

7. What is the latest version of the StepWatch™ software?

StepWatch™ Software 3.1 has been released. Contact Orthocare Innovations at 800.672.1710 for information.

8. What is the difference between StepWatch™ and StepWatch™ 3?

There is no difference. For purposes of branding Orthocare Innovations is referring to StepWatch™ 3 formerly sold by Cyma Corporation.