10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)

Purpose

Quantifies usual or fast gait speed over a fixed, timed walkway.

Equipment

Marked walkway, stopwatch; identify timed segment and acceleration/deceleration distances

Protocol

Record precisely which timed interval is used: middle 6 m of a 10 m walkway or full 10 m timed, then time passage at stated pace. Keep walkway and instructions stable across visits.

Interpretation

Speed equals timed distance divided by elapsed seconds. Do not mix protocols in serial comparisons.

Safety

Guard against falls, describe aids and footwear.

Frequently asked questions

What does the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) measure?

Quantifies usual or fast gait speed over a fixed, timed walkway.

How should I interpret 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) results?

Speed equals timed distance divided by elapsed seconds. Do not mix protocols in serial comparisons.