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Differences in prolonged walking intensity and duration between older people reporting difficulty, modifications or
Heli Peltomaa1, Merja Rantakokko2, Emmi Matikainen-Tervola3
1Gerontology Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland.
Experimental Gerontology
|October 4, 2025
Summary
Older adults with walking difficulties walk slower but maintain similar perceived exertion during prolonged activity. Wearable sensor metrics should better reflect perceived exertion changes in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Older adults often modify walking (e.g., slower speed, walking aids) due to decreased physical capacity and increased exertion.
- While self-reported walking issues correlate with daily activity, their link to prolonged walking intensity and duration remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare walking speed, duration, and intensity changes during prolonged walking in older adults reporting different walking abilities (difficulty, modifications, or no difficulty).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 104 participants (78-90 years old) performing a 30-minute prolonged walking test at a constant perceived exertion.
- Participants walked at a speed targeting a Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) of 13, continuing until RPE 16 or 30 minutes.
- Wearable sensors monitored heart rate (HR), accelerometry, and cadence during the walking test.
Main Results:
- Older adults reporting walking difficulty exhibited significantly slower walking speeds (1.17 m/s) compared to those reporting modifications (1.34 m/s) or no difficulty (1.42 m/s).
- No significant differences were observed in walking duration (p=0.205) or changes in RPE, HR, acceleration, and cadence between groups.
- Accelerometry data corroborated the slower walking speed in participants reporting walking difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Despite self-reported difficulties, older adults can maintain the same perceived exertion level during prolonged walking, albeit at a reduced speed and acceleration.
- This suggests a need for wearable sensor metrics that accurately capture perceived exertion and its fluctuations during sustained physical activity in older populations.
