How fast is fast enough? Walking cadence (steps/min) as a practical estimate of intensity in adults: a narrative review

Catrine Tudor-Locke, Ho Han, Elroy J Aguiar, Tiago V Barreira, John M Schuna Jr, Minsoo Kang, David A Rowe, Catrine Tudor-Locke, Ho Han, Elroy J Aguiar, Tiago V Barreira, John M Schuna Jr, Minsoo Kang, David A Rowe

Abstract

Background: Cadence (steps/min) may be a reasonable proxy-indicator of ambulatory intensity. A summary of current evidence is needed for cadence-based metrics supporting benchmark (standard or point of reference) and threshold (minimums associated with desired outcomes) values that are informed by a systematic process.

Objective: To review how fast, in terms of cadence, is enough, with reference to crafting public health recommendations in adults.

Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was conducted to identify relevant studies focused on walking cadence and intensity for adults. Identified studies (n=38) included controlled (n=11), free-living observational (n=18) and intervention (n=9) designs.

Results: There was a strong relationship between cadence (as measured by direct observation and objective assessments) and intensity (indirect calorimetry). Despite acknowledged interindividual variability, ≥100 steps/min is a consistent heuristic (e.g, evidence-based, rounded) value associated with absolutely defined moderate intensity (3 metabolic equivalents (METs)). Epidemiological studies report notably low mean daily cadences (ie, 7.7 steps/min), shaped primarily by the very large proportion of time (13.5 hours/day) spent between zero and purposeful cadences (<60 steps/min) at the population level. Published values for peak 1-min and 30-min cadences in healthy free-living adults are >100 and >70 steps/min, respectively. Peak cadence indicators are negatively associated with increased age and body mass index. Identified intervention studies used cadence to either prescribe and/or quantify ambulatory intensity but the evidence is best described as preliminary.

Conclusions: A cadence value of ≥100 steps/min in adults appears to be a consistent and reasonable heuristic answer to 'How fast is fast enough?' during sustained and rhythmic ambulatory behaviour.

Trial registration number: NCT02650258.

Keywords: exercise; physical activity; walking.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow of identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion phases for the literature review.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Expected values of peak 30 min cadence based on age, gender, BMI and various health conditions. CD, cardiac dysrhythmias; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; HF, heart failure; IC, intermittent claudication; LLA, lower limb amputations; MS, metabolic syndrome; PS, poststroke; yrs, years. *BMI determined by weighted average obesity classes for obesity class I (30–34.9), II (35–39.9) and III (≥40).

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