Abstract
Background. Slow gait speed increases morbidity and mortality in older adults. We examined how preferred gait speed is associated with energetic requirements of walking, fatigability, and fatigue. Methods. Older adults (n = 36, 70-89 years) were categorized as slow or fast walkers based on median 400-m gait speed. We measured VO2peak by graded treadmill exercise test and VO2 during 5-minute treadmill walking tests at standard (0.72 m/s) and preferred gait speeds. Fatigability was assessed with the Situational Fatigue Scale and the Borg rating of perceived exertion at the end of walking tests. Fatigue was assessed by questionnaire. Results. Preferred gait speed over 400 m (range: 0.75-1.58 m/s) averaged 1.34 m/s for fast walkers versus 1.05 m/s for slow walkers (p 2peak was 26% lower (18.5 vs 25.1ml/kg/min, p =. 001) in slow walkers than fast walkers. To walk at 0.72 m/s, slow walkers used a larger percentage of VO2peak (59% vs 42%, p
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 487-494 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences |
Volume | 70 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Energetics
- Epidemiology
- Fatigue
- Gait speed
- Mobility
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Aging
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- General Medicine