A new smartphone app helps measure walking cadence more accurately than typical devices, and research found that older adults who upped their walking pace by just 14 steps per minute significantly improved their physical abilities. By shifting from a casual stroll to a brisker walk, older adults can stay active, independent, and energized in daily life.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center discovered that walking slightly faster — 14 steps per minute more than a person’s usual pace — led to meaningful improvements in physical function among older adults who were frail or at risk of becoming frail. The new study was made possible by the development of a smartphone app called “Walk Test,” which accurately measures walking cadence.
The researchers wanted to create an intuitive and user-friendly tool that could be easily integrated into daily life, despite limited access to specialized equipment. The Walk Test app uses novel open-source methods to analyze data measured by the phone, ensuring accurate measurement.
In a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, participants were encouraged to walk “as fast as safely possible” or at their usual comfortable pace. Those who increased their cadence by at least 14 steps per minute above their usual pace experienced substantial improvements in functional capacity.
Practical advice for daily life includes measuring walking pace and using metronome apps to maintain a steady and elevated cadence. The research highlights walking as a widely accessible exercise with substantial health benefits, offering a simple yet effective strategy for people who want to stay healthier and more independent as they age.
This scientifically-backed health strategy can help improve overall quality of life and reduce the risk of falls, hospitalization, and loss of independence associated with frailty.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235830.htm