Outcome measures

10-Meter Walk Test

Draft — clinical review required

Walking speed over a short distance.

Walkway layoutSchematic setup — not to scale

Version shown: Timed 10 m with acceleration and deceleration zones (lengths per protocol).

AccelerationuntimedTimed distance: 10 mDecelerationuntimedStart timingStop timingTotal walkway = acceleration + timed + deceleration
Walking speed calculator

0.80 m/s

Speed = timed distance ÷ time. Use the timed distance only, not the total walkway.
Before / after comparison

Change: 0.00

Compare the change with measurement error and meaningful-change values for the same population and protocol, citing the source. Same protocol, aid and conditions on both occasions.

Go deeper

Open each part when you are ready.

What it measures
  • Walking speed (m/s) over a timed 10-metre section.
Populations and purposes
  • Many neurological, orthopaedic and older-adult populations.
  • Tracking change; describing walking capacity.
Equipment and space
  • Stopwatch; a straight walkway longer than the timed section; tape markers.
Administration overview
  • Version shown: timed central 10 m with untimed acceleration and deceleration zones at each end. Zone lengths, comfortable vs fast speed and number of trials vary between protocols — state which you use.
  • Start timing when the leading foot crosses the start of the timed zone; stop when it crosses the end.
  • Use the full validated protocol (linked below) when testing patients.
Scoring and units
  • Speed (m/s) = timed distance (m) ÷ time (s).
Meaning of a higher or lower score
  • Higher speed usually reflects better walking capacity.
Interpretation example
  • 10 m in 12.5 s → 0.8 m/s. Compare only with values from the same population and protocol, and note any walking aid.
Limitations
  • Short distance; does not reflect endurance or community demands.
  • Norms, fall-risk thresholds, MDC and MCID differ by population and protocol; they are not universal. Measurement error is not the same as clinically meaningful change.

Apply it

A 10 m timed section is walked in 8 s. Speed?

Open the Movement LabThe setup illustration above is the demonstration for this measure; the Movement Lab shows typical walking only.

Sources and review status

Draft — clinical review required

Starting points for verification. Validated protocols are linked where available; clinical content has not yet been reviewed.

Learning objectives
  • Explain what the 10-Meter Walk Test measures and for whom.
  • Describe the set-up and administration overview.
  • Interpret a result with its units, population and limitations.
Next6-Minute Walk Test