How Fast Do You Walk?

Have you noticed that older friends or relatives start to slow down when walking? Recently, there have been more research studies that have made an association with early mortality in those with slower walking speeds. Research has found that along with life expectancy, walking speed may also have an effect on cognitive function.

In Physical Therapy, gait, or walking, speed is typically assessed in order to gauge fall risk. Walking speed is a powerful indicator of function. The newest study, published January 4 from the JAMA, Journal of American Medical Association, found that walking speed was a consistent predictor of survival length across age, race and height but it was especially useful in those older than 75.

It has been found that people have a stable “prefered walking speed”. Walking is a multifaceted function requiring coordination, strength, balance and involves the muscular, circulatory and respiratory systems. The Study found that people with average life expectancy walked about 0.8 meter per second and those that walked faster than 0.8 meter per second had a longer than expected life.

Improving walking speed will not necessarily translate to a longer lifespan, but walking has been shown to be beneficial with lowering blood pressure, weight management and improving mood. It has also been linked to slower memory decline and reduced risk for some cancers.