Walking Speed Indicative of Cardiovascular Death Risk in the Elderly

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Older people who walk slowly are three times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those who walk faster, according to research published on bmj.com. The authors say the findings highlight the importance of fitness in preserving life and function during old age.

Earlier studies have revealed that slow walking speed can predict adverse health events, including death. However, it’s unclear whether particular causes of death account for this increased mortality.

To find out more concerning the connection between low walking speed and mortality, French researchers monitored over 3,000 men and women aged 65 to 85 who took part in the Three City Study in France. Participants were asked to perform a walking test over 6 meters and their speed was recorded by camera.

Monitoring examinations were conducted at intervals, calculating risk of death in conjunction with three tiered measurements of walking speed – lowest, middle, and highest. The researchers found that individuals in the lowest third of walking speed at the start of the study had a 44 percent increased risk of death compared to those in the upper thirds.

Participants in the lowest tier walking speed had a three times increased risk of cardiovascular death than those who walked faster. This increased risk of death was observed in both men and women and was apparent in younger as well as older individuals and in participants with low or usual physical activity.

The authors conclude, “These findings show that assessment of motor performances in older people using simple measures such as walking speed can be performed easily and that the role of fitness in preserving life and function in older age is important.”

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Walking Speed Indicative of Cardiovascular Death Risk in the Elderly

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