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yesterday

14-Step-Per-Minute Cadence Increase Boosts Functional Capacity in Frail Older Adults

It confirms that a modest cadence boost drives mobility gains, with a new smartphone app offering precise pace monitoring for older adults.

Maintaining good form by standing tall and swinging your arms is key when walking.
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Overview

  • A PLOS One analysis showed that prefrail and frail participants who walked 14 steps per minute faster than their usual pace achieved about a 10% gain in functional capacity.
  • The 36-week randomized trial in retirement communities used thigh-worn devices to compare usual walking pace with an accelerated cadence under clinical supervision.
  • Validation of the Walk Test smartphone app demonstrated research-grade accuracy in counting steps per minute, but the tool is not yet publicly available.
  • Clinicians advise using existing metronome apps as a low-barrier method for older adults to maintain a consistent elevated walking cadence.
  • Frailty affects 7–12% of Americans over 65 and is characterized by weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, low activity and slow pace, underscoring the need for objective intensity measures.