10 Metre Walk Test

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Objective

The 10 Metre Walk Test is a performance measure used to assess walking speed in metres per second over a short distance. It can be employed to determine functional mobility, gait and vestibular function.

Intended Population

Preschool children (2-5 years), children (6-12 years), adolescents (13-17 years), adults (18-64 years), alderly adults (65+) with a range of diagnoses including: 

• Acquired Brain Injury
• Geriatrics
• Hip Fracture
• Lower Limb Amputation
• Movement Disorders
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Stroke
• Traumatic Brain Injury

Method of Use

Equipment Required

• Stopwatch
• A clear pathway with set distance (6, 8, 10 metres in length depending on distance tested)

Set Up

Measure and mark a 10-metre walkway

• Add a mark at 2-metres
• Add a mark at 8-metres

Instructions

• The individual walks without assistance for 10 metres, with the time measured for the intermediate 6 metres to allow for acceleration and deceleration
• Assistive devices may be used, but must be kept consistent and documented for each test
• Start timing when the toes pass the 2 metre mark
• Stop timing when the toes pass the 8 metre mark
• Can be tested at either preferred walking speed or maximum walking speed (ensure to document which was tested)
• Perform three trials and calculate the average of three trials

Patient Instructions

Normal comfortable speed: “I will say ready, set, go. When I say go, walk at your normal comfortable speed until I say stop”

• Maximum speed trials: “I will say ready, set, go. When I say go, walk as fast as you safely can until I say stop”
  

References

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