Walking Speed and Age in Healthy Individuals
Author Information
Author(s): Schimpl Michaela, Moore Carmel, Lederer Christian, Neuhaus Anneke, Sambrook Jennifer, Danesh John, Ouwehand Willem, Daumer Martin
Primary Institution: Sylvia Lawry Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Research e.V.
Hypothesis
Does walking speed decline with age in healthy individuals?
Conclusion
The study found that walking speed decreases with age in healthy individuals, as measured by mobile accelerometry.
Supporting Evidence
- Walking speed was validated in a separate dataset showing a decrease of −0.0037 m/s per year.
- Associations between walking speed and other characteristics like gender and BMI were non-significant.
- The study highlights the potential of mobile accelerometry for assessing gait parameters.
Takeaway
As people get older, they tend to walk slower. This study used a special device to measure walking speed in everyday life.
Methodology
Participants wore a mobile accelerometer for 7 days to measure walking speed and other physical characteristics.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the specific population of blood donors and the effects of blood donation on physical activity.
Limitations
Participants were blood donors, which may not represent the general population.
Participant Demographics
Median age of 49 years, 45% women, median BMI of 26.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Confidence Interval
−0.0055 to −0.0016 m/s per year
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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