Gait speed linked to longevity in new UK study

The research, published in JAMA Network Open, tracked 4,067 adults in the United Kingdom with an average age of 69. Researchers examined the correlation between walking pace and mortality risk over time.

Participants underwent a walking test at their usual pace and wore wrist activity trackers for nine days to monitor their daily walking speed.

During a follow-up period of almost 12 years, faster walking speeds in both test and daily settings were associated with a reduced risk of death, even when considering other health and lifestyle factors. A total of 739 participants passed away during the study.

Beth Templin, CEO of HouseFit Physical Therapy & Fitness, explained that walking speed provides a comprehensive assessment of bodily function. “In physical therapy, we call walking speed the ‘sixth vital sign’ because it’s a snapshot of how well many body systems are working together,” she said.

Changes in walking speed can signal underlying health concerns. “To walk briskly, you need strong legs, a healthy heart and lungs, good balance, and a brain and nervous system that can coordinate it all,” Templin added.

To improve walking speed and fitness, focusing on strength and balance is more effective than simply increasing step count, she advised. She suggested exercises like standing up from a chair without using hands and performing heel raises. Short bursts of faster walking, alternating with slower periods, were also recommended.

Researchers emphasized that the study demonstrates an association, not causation, meaning faster walking does not guarantee a longer life. The study’s participants were generally healthier than the broader population, and a standardized method for measuring everyday walking pace with trackers is lacking. Further investigation is needed to determine the applicability of these findings to diverse populations.