title: The reliability and validity of gait speed with different walking pace and distances against general health, physical function, and chronic disease in aged adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Gait speed is an important objective values associated with several health-related outcomes including functional mobility in aging people. However, walking test methodologies and descriptions are not standardized considering specific aims of research. This study examine the reliability and validity of gait speed measured at various distances and paces in elderly Koreans.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-four female participants ≥70 years of age were recruited from a local retirement community. Gait speed was assessed at 4, 6 and 10 meters, and at usual- and fast-pace walking mode. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) that estimates senior fitness includes three tests of lower-body function. Data concerning for the chronic conditions and self-perceived health of the participants was collected using questionnaires. Concurrent validity of gait speed using the aforementioned test protocols was determined by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant positive correlations were evident between skeletal muscle mass and maximal pace walking regardless of distance (r=.301~.308; p<.05), but not with body fat. All gait tests significantly positively correlated with self-rated health (normal pace r=.328~.346, p<.05; maximal pace r=.427~.472, p<.001) and depression (normal pace r=.279~.430, p<.05; maximal pace r=.413~.456, p<.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Walking test at the normal pace appears suitable for estimating physical function and deterioration due to chronic disease. Walking test at a maximum pace might be useful for estimating subjective general health and skeletal muscle mass.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, SeoulRepublic of Korea; Physical Activity and Performance Institute, Konkuk UniversityRepublic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hee-Jae
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, Seoul Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ilhyoek
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, Seoul Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyo Joo
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, Seoul Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: On
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Reliability; Validity; Walking test; gait speed