Walking speed norms

General characteristics

Walking speed test

Notes

The methods used to develop the norms available through the app are described in detail in a paper (1). Thank you for citing this reference when using these norms.
Procedures for Constances walking speed tests
The walking speed tests are part of a set of cognitive and motor tests performed by Constances participants aged 45 to 69 years in health screening centers. These tests were administered under the supervision of neuropsychologists according to a standardized protocol.
The walking speed tests were administered as follows:
Distance: Walking speed was measured over a distance of 3 meters, with a start 1 meter before the measurement area and a stop 1 meter after, to allow acceleration and deceleration on both sides of the measurement area.
Speed :
  • At normal pace, participants were asked to walk at their «usual pace».
  • At a fast pace, participants were asked to walk «as fast as possible but without running».
  • Measurements were taken first at normal pace and then at fast pace.
Measurement device:
  • Walking speed was measured using the Racetime2 light radio kit, MicroGate®, photoelectric cells, placed on both sides of the 3 meters, with an accuracy of measurement to the nearest centisecond.
  • We have previously shown that the measurements made on 3 meters by photoelectric cells have an excellent correlation with measurements made by manual chronometers (intraclass correlation coefficient: normal pace=0.93, 95% confidence interval=0.90-0.95; fast pace=0.92, 95% confidence interval=0.88-0.95). In addition, a given person, manual measures of walking speed over 3 and 5 meters were strongly correlated (normal speed=0.84; fast speed=0.82) (2).
Tests taking conditions:
  • Participants were asked to come to the health screening center in comfortable shoes. Those wearing uncomfortable shoes were asked to remove them and perform the walking speed test barefoot.
  • The use of a cane was permitted.
  • The walking speed norms available in this application were estimated for individuals who took the test wearing comfortable shoes and without a cane.
  • Test administration:
    • The test was described by the neuropsychologist.
    • A first try was then performed at both paces (normal and fast).
    • When the instructions were not well understood, a demonstration was given by the examiner.
    • The walking speed was then recorded, first at normal speed and then at fast speed.
Extrapolation
Norms were estimated in a population composed of persons whose height was comprised between 133 and 198 cm for women and between 145 and 203 cm for men. Estimates of norms for individuals outside the height ranges available in our sample are therefore extrapolations and should be interpreted with caution.
Reference
1. Santos F, Renuy A, Ozguler A, Ribet C, Goldberg M, Zins M, Artaud F, Elbaz A. Norms for usual and maximum walking speed in adults 45-69 years old from the French general population: Constances study. JAMDA (2023): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2023.10.001
2. Santos F, Ozguler A, Lenain M, Zins M, Artaud F, Elbaz A. Comparison of manual and automated measures of walking speed: Distance and pace matter. Experimental Gerontology (2022): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2022.111987