In general , 100 steps/minute is prescribed for adults to achieve moderate intensity , but older adults may require a higher cadence .
Currently , few studies have explored using walking cadence prescription as an intervention to increase physical activity levels .
Conclusion .
Prescribing walking cadence as a way to increase physical activity levels has potential as a practical and useful strategy , but more evidence is required to assess its ability to increase physical activity levels at moderate intensity
Background .
Most adults choose walking as a leisure activity .
However , many do not reach the international physical activity guidelines for adults , which recommend moderate intensity aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes/week in bouts of 10 minutes .
Purpose .
This systematic review provides an up date on the walking cadence required to reach moderate intensity in adults and older adults , identifies variables associated with reaching moderate intensity , and evaluates how walking cadence intensity should be measured , but the main purpose is to report the interventions that have been attempted to prescribe walking cadence to increase time spent at moderate intensity or other outcomes for adults and older adults .
Adjusting step count recommendations for anthropometric variations in leg length.
Recent public health recommendations for step frequency over a given timeframe ( steps min(-1 ) ) associated with moderate-intensity physical activity ( MPA ) have been developed . The recommendation suggests 100 steps min(-1 ) . This estimate overlooks the impact of anthropometric differences between individuals , notably leg length , which is related to step frequency . Therefore this study examined the impact of leg length on steps min(-1 ) associated with MPA . Twenty adults age 20 - 40 years ( age 26.4+/-4.6 years , 9 males ) walked  over-ground  at five walking speeds ( 0.5 m s(-1 ) , 0.75 m s(-1 ) , 1.0 m s(-1 ) , 1.25 m s(-1 ) , and 1.5 m s(-1 ) ) , lasting 6 min each , while wearing a portable gas analyser . Participants ' step frequency ( steps min(-1 ) ) for each walking speed was determined using a h and -tally counter . R and om effects models were used to predict steps min(-1 ) from METs and participant anthropometric measures ( body mass index and leg length [ cm ] ) . Model estimates were used to predict steps min(-1 ) corresponding to heights ranging from 5 ft . to 6 ft . 6 in . ( 6 in increments ) . Overall , 100 steps min(-1 ) corresponded to expending 3 METs ( SEE 3.49 steps min(-1 ) , R(2)=0.68 ) . As leg length increased estimated steps min(-1 ) decreased by -1.15 steps min(-1 ) ( 95CI -2.19 to -0.10 steps min(-1 ) ) . Based on leg length for individuals 5 ft to 6 ft 6 in . , steps min(-1 ) ranged from 111 to 85 , respectively . Established steps min(-1 ) cutpoints associated with MPA are general public health guidelines and anthropometric differences in leg length should be accounted for when developing step frequency recommendations for physical activity or weight loss studies that include individuals of varying height
In general , 100 steps/minute is prescribed for adults to achieve moderate intensity , but older adults may require a higher cadence .
Currently , few studies have explored using walking cadence prescription as an intervention to increase physical activity levels .
Conclusion .
Prescribing walking cadence as a way to increase physical activity levels has potential as a practical and useful strategy , but more evidence is required to assess its ability to increase physical activity levels at moderate intensity
Background .
Most adults choose walking as a leisure activity .
However , many do not reach the international physical activity guidelines for adults , which recommend moderate intensity aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes/week in bouts of 10 minutes .
Purpose .
This systematic review provides an up date on the walking cadence required to reach moderate intensity in adults and older adults , identifies variables associated with reaching moderate intensity , and evaluates how walking cadence intensity should be measured , but the main purpose is to report the interventions that have been attempted to prescribe walking cadence to increase time spent at moderate intensity or other outcomes for adults and older adults .