4 Metre Walk Test
Original Editor - Saud Alghamdi Top Contributors - Saud Alghamdi
Objective[edit | edit source]
The 4 Metre Walk Test (4MWT) is a walking speed test that assesses for functional limitations and physical performance.[1]The 4MWT is a commonly used test due to its simplicity and high test-retest reliability. [1]
Intended Population[edit | edit source]
Method of Use[edit | edit source]
Equipment:
- A clear and even walkway of 4M
- Measuring tool
- Stopwatch
- Chair (Optional to allow the patient to rest on if needed)
Set-up:
- Measure and mark a clear path of 4M
- Add a clear mark at 0M
- Add a clear mark at 4M
Instructions:
- Instruct your patient to stand with both feet behind the first mark (0M mark).
- Instruct the patient to walk at their normal pace.
- Begin timing through your stopwatch as soon as one foot strikes past the first mark (0M mark).
- Stop timing as soon as one foot strikes past the final mark (4M).
- You may repeat the test if needed to calculate and average.
Interpreting the Test's Results[edit | edit source]
A normal value is approximately 3.57 seconds. (1.12 m/s). [2]Furthermore, walking speeds of less than 0.8 m/s (5 seconds or longer in the 4MWT) have been associated with falls risk. [1][3]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
There is strong evidence to support that the 4MWT has a high test re-test reliability. [1]Furthermore, in patients undergoing lower extremity surgeries such as total knee and hip arthroplasty, the 4MWT showed excellent reliability. [4]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Nguyen AT, Nguyen HTT, Nguyen HTT, Nguyen TX, Nguyen TN, Nguyen TTH, et al. Walking speed assessed by 4-Meter Walk Test in the Community-Dwelling Oldest Old Population in Vietnam. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health/International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Internet]. 2022 Aug 9;19(16):9788.
- ↑ Bohannon RW, Wang YC. Four-Meter GAIT Speed: Normative values and reliability determined for adults participating in the NIH toolbox study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation [Internet]. 2019 Mar 1;100(3):509–13.
- ↑ Van Kan GA, Rolland Y, Andrieu S, Bauer J, Beauchet O, Bonnefoy M, et al. Gait speed at usual pace as a predictor of adverse outcomes in community-dwelling older people an International Academy on Nutrition and Aging (IANA) Task Force. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging/ The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging [Internet]. 2009 Dec 1;13(10):881–9.
- ↑ Unver B, Baris RH, Yuksel E, Cekmece S, Kalkan S, Karatosun V. Reliability of 4-meter and 10-meter walk tests after lower extremity surgery. Disability and Rehabilitation [Internet]. 2016 Oct 11;39(25):2572–6.
