10-Metre Walk Test
A clinical assessment of walking speed in which a patient walks a 10-metre distance, used to quantify gait speed as an index of functional mobility in older adults.
Full Definition
The 10-Metre Walk Test (10MWT) measures comfortable or maximal gait speed over a 10-metre course, with timing typically recorded over the middle 6 metres to exclude acceleration and deceleration phases. Gait speed obtained via the 10MWT is recognised as a 'vital sign' of ageing and a strong predictor of functional outcomes, falls risk, and mortality in older adults. In editorial practice, the numeral '10' is retained even at the start of a sentence in most health-sector style guides (check house style). The test is sometimes abbreviated 10MWT and the result expressed in metres per second (m/s). Editors must distinguish this test from the 6MWT, which measures endurance rather than speed.
Usage
Usage note: Express results in metres per second (m/s). Distinguish from the 6MWT, which measures endurance. Confirm whether comfortable or maximal speed was recorded, as these produce different reference values.
In Context
- "The 10-Metre Walk Test recorded a comfortable gait speed of 0.62 m/s, consistent with community ambulation but below the threshold for safe road crossing." — Physiotherapy discharge assessment
- "Serial 10MWT scores were plotted across the admission to demonstrate the patient's trajectory of recovery following total knee replacement." — Rehabilitation outcome summary