Hey Kristen, Here is a pretty in-depth response to your question. Hopefully this answers it for you!

Studies that investigate NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and steps typically measure activity in a more controlled and precise manner compared to everyday step-counting practices like using a smartphone or consumer-grade fitness tracker.
How Steps Are Measured in Studies:

1. Accelerometers:
◦ Most studies use research-grade accelerometers (e.g., ActiGraph) that are worn on specific body parts like the hip, wrist, or ankle.
◦ These devices measure movement in multiple planes (vertical, horizontal, and lateral), providing detailed data about physical activity intensity and duration.
◦ Accelerometers can differentiate between walking, fidgeting, and stationary activities, offering a more reliable measure of NEAT.

2. Pedometers:
◦ Some older studies use pedometers to track steps. These devices count steps based on hip movement, though they are less accurate than accelerometers, particularly for slow walking or non-ambulatory activities.

3. Direct Observation or Motion Analysis:
◦ In laboratory settings, researchers may combine motion analysis systems (e.g., video recording or wearable sensors) with manual observations to validate step counts and activity types.

4. Indirect Calorimetry:
◦ In studies focused on NEAT, researchers often measure energy expenditure alongside step counts using indirect calorimetry (e.g., a metabolic chamber or wearable devices). This helps confirm the metabolic impact of the recorded movements.

Accounting for Activities Like Typing While Walking:

In high-quality studies, researchers aim to differentiate between activities involving full-body movement (e.g., walking briskly) versus localized movement (e.g., typing while walking).
• Accelerometer placement matters here: Devices placed on the hips are more likely to record steps accurately, as they detect leg motion, whereas wrist-worn devices might pick up unrelated arm movements.
• Some studies may also exclude low-intensity movements from step counts when analyzing NEAT, ensuring that energy expenditure is accurately attributed to meaningful activity.

Key Takeaway:

In research settings, steps are generally measured with precision tools designed to capture true ambulatory movement, minimizing misclassification. This is why study results might differ slightly from the real-world experience of step tracking with consumer devices, which are less discerning about step type and intensity.

If you’re tracking steps yourself, aiming for intentional, full-body movement (like walking or dancing) aligns more closely with how NEAT is evaluated in studies.