Pediatric Walking Speed Normal Reference Values in a Local Population.

Abstract

This study's aim was to develop a local walking speed norm using the 10-m walk test (10MWT) for 5- to 17-year-old children and youth who are developing typically. Healthy child and adolescent participants were recruited from schools in one rural Alaska school district. The 10MWT was performed using a 2 repetitions per speed protocol. Outcome measures were average time for the normal and fast-speed trials, separated by age and gender. Average walking speed was established in this group of children and youth who are developing typically by age and gender. Local walking speed norms for 5- to 17-year-olds can be accurately obtained by examining students in a rural school district.