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 .
Stride rate and walking intensity in healthy older adults.
PURPOSE The study investigated ( a ) walking intensity ( stride rate and energy expenditure ) under three speed instructions ; ( b ) associations between stride rate , age , height , and walking intensity ; and ( c ) synchronization between stride rate and music tempo during overground walking in a population of healthy older adults . METHODS Twenty-nine participants completed 3 treadmill-walking trials and 3 overground-walking trials at 3 self-selected speeds . Treadmill VO2  was measured using indirect calorimetry .  Stride rate and music tempo were recorded during overground-walking trials . RESULTS Mean stride rate exceeded minimum thresholds for moderate to vigorous physical activity ( MVPA ) under slow ( 111.41 ± 11.93 ) , medium ( 118.17 ± 11.43 ) , and fast ( 123.79 ± 11.61 ) instructions . A multilevel model showed that stride rate , age , and height have a significant effect ( p < .01 ) on walking intensity . CONCLUSIONS Healthy older adults achieve MVPA with stride rates that fall below published minima for MVPA . Stride rate , age , and height are significant predictors of energy expenditure in this population . Music can be a useful way to guide walking cadence
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 .