A client may walk safely at a comfortable pace but still struggle when asked to move quickly.
Fast-paced walking can provide useful information about functional capacity, confidence, lower-limb symptoms, balance, endurance and the ability to increase walking speed when needed. In daily life, this may matter when crossing a road, keeping up with others, navigating busy environments or returning to higher-level walking tasks.
The 40m Fast Paced Walk Test provides a practical way to assess fast walking speed over a fixed distance.
Test name: 40m Fast Paced Walk Test
Also known as: 40 metre Fast-Paced Walk Test, 40m FPWT, 4 x 10m Fast Walk Test
Purpose: Assess fast-paced walking speed over a fixed distance
What it assesses: Walking speed, functional mobility, lower-limb capacity, confidence, symptom response and ability to walk quickly
Equipment required: 10m walkway, cones or markers, stopwatch or timing gates, tape measure, Measurz recording system
Key finding: Time to complete 40m and calculated walking speed in m/s
Best used with: 30-second chair stand, stair climb test, Timed Up and Go, 6-minute walk test, gait speed, balance tests and lower-limb strength tests
Key limitation: Results are influenced by walkway setup, turning method, footwear, walking aid use, symptoms, instructions, timing method and whether the pace is fast or self-selected
The 40m Fast Paced Walk Test is a fixed-distance walking test.
The client walks as quickly and safely as possible over a total distance of 40 metres. A common setup uses a 10 metre walkway completed four times, usually with turns at each end.
The result is usually recorded as:
time to complete 40m
walking speed in metres per second
use of walking aid
symptoms
gait quality
turning strategy
reason for stopping if incomplete
Because the test can be performed with different walkway layouts and timing methods, professionals should always record exactly how it was performed.
The test is used because fast walking speed provides practical information about mobility performance.
It may be useful for:
monitoring walking capacity
assessing ability to increase walking speed
tracking progress over time
supporting lower-limb functional assessment
monitoring symptom response during faster walking
assessing physical function in hip or knee osteoarthritis contexts
comparing baseline and retest performance
adding a walking-speed measure alongside strength and balance tests
A client may perform well in isolated strength tests but still walk slowly or cautiously when asked to move quickly. The 40m Fast Paced Walk Test adds a functional walking performance measure.
The 40m Fast Paced Walk Test measures fast-paced walking performance over a fixed distance.
It may reflect:
gait speed
lower-limb strength contribution
balance confidence
coordination
walking efficiency
pain or symptom response
cardiorespiratory contribution
turning ability if a 4 x 10m course is used
walking aid use
fatigue over a short distance
It does not directly measure:
diagnosis
isolated muscle strength
joint range of motion
fall risk by itself
endurance over longer distances
maximum running speed
overall independence by itself
return-to-sport or return-to-work readiness by itself
A faster time is useful only when the protocol and walking quality are also considered.
The 40m Fast Paced Walk Test may be useful for:
people with hip or knee osteoarthritis
older adults
people with lower-limb symptoms
clients with reduced walking confidence
clients returning to faster walking
rehabilitation and exercise clients
people with mobility goals
clients who need to walk quickly in daily life
health, fitness and support professionals tracking functional change
It may also be useful when a 10m or Timed Up and Go test is too short or does not provide enough challenge.
You will need:
measured 10m walkway or suitable 40m pathway
cones or markers
stopwatch, timing app or timing gates
tape measure or measuring wheel
stable walking surface
Measurz or MAT recording system
Optional equipment:
gait belt if required and within scope
walking aid if normally used
chair for rest before and after testing
pain scale
RPE or fatigue scale
video recording for gait review
notes field for symptoms, turning strategy and walking aid use
Position the client at the start line.
Record:
footwear
walking aid use
start type
standing balance before the test
whether the client starts from still standing
whether timing starts on “go” or first movement
Use the same start method for every retest.
Set up a measured walking course.
A common protocol uses:
10m walkway
markers at each end
four lengths of 10m
total walking distance of 40m
safe turning space at each end
Record:
walkway length
total distance
surface
indoor or outdoor setting
timing method
turning instructions
walking aid use
rest before the test
safety considerations
Explain and demonstrate the task before starting.
Example instruction:
“When I say go, walk as quickly and safely as you can to the marker, turn around, and continue until you have completed the full 40 metres. Do not run.”
Make sure the client understands:
they should walk fast but safely
running is not allowed
turning method should be safe
walking aid use should remain consistent
they should continue through the finish
they can stop if symptoms are not tolerated
Ask the client to walk the full 40m distance as quickly and safely as possible.
Watch for:
unsafe speed
loss of balance
turning difficulty
pain or symptoms
shortness of breath
reduced step length
limping
use of walking aid
slowing over the test
stopping or hesitation
inconsistent turning strategy
Stop testing if the task becomes unsafe or symptoms are not tolerated.
Complete one trial if the client is fatigued or symptoms are a concern.
Complete two or more trials where appropriate and safe, with rest between attempts.
Record whether the final result is:
first trial
best trial
average trial
assisted or unassisted
with or without walking aid
4 x 10m course or straight 40m path
Use the same scoring method each time.
Scoring usually includes:
time to complete 40m
walking speed in metres per second
walking aid use
pain score
fatigue rating
symptoms
gait quality
turning quality
reason for stopping if incomplete
Walking speed can be calculated as:
Walking speed = 40 ÷ time in seconds
For example, if a client completes the test in 32 seconds:
40 ÷ 32 = 1.25 m/s
A lower time and higher m/s value generally indicate faster walking performance.
However, interpretation should consider:
safety
walking quality
use of walking aid
pain or symptoms
turning strategy
surface
footwear
whether the test was fast-paced or self-paced
whether the same protocol was used at retest
A meaningful result is stronger when:
the same walkway is used
timing method is consistent
instructions are consistent
walking aid use is recorded
pain and symptoms are documented
turns are standardised
the result is compared to baseline or repeated measures
the test is paired with other lower-limb assessments
The result should not be used as a stand-alone measure of overall function.
The 40m Fast Paced Walk Test is included in OARSI-recommended performance-based tests for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis.
Reference values depend on:
population
age
diagnosis or symptom group
walking aid use
course layout
timing method
pace instruction
whether turns are included
A practical interpretation approach:
Faster time / higher m/s: better fast-walking performance under the tested setup
Slower time / lower m/s: reduced fast-walking performance under the tested setup
Improvement over time: useful if setup and instructions are consistent
Pain or symptom increase: important context, even if speed improves
Reduced turning confidence: relevant when using a 4 x 10m course
Walking aid change: should be interpreted separately from speed change
For many clients, the most useful comparisons are:
baseline score
repeat testing
walking speed in m/s
pain and symptoms
walking aid use
related sit-to-stand, stair and balance tests
goals that require faster walking
Use normative data only when the protocol and population match.
Fixed-distance walk tests up to 40m show generally good measurement properties when protocols are standardised.
Reliability and validity depend on:
course distance accuracy
timing method
pace instruction
starting protocol
walking surface
turn setup
footwear
walking aid use
practice trial
rest between trials
assessor instructions
The OARSI recommended performance-based test set includes the 40m Fast Paced Walk Test as one of the core physical function tests for hip and knee osteoarthritis contexts.
A narrative review of fixed-distance walk tests in knee osteoarthritis reported good measurement properties for walk tests of distances up to 40m, including fast- and self-paced protocols.
Reliability improves when:
the same course is used
the same pace instruction is used
the same start protocol is used
turns are standardised
the same timing method is used
walking aid use is recorded
symptoms are recorded
retesting uses the same setup
Sensitivity and specificity are not usually applicable for routine Measurz use of the 40m Fast Paced Walk Test.
This is a performance outcome measure, not a stand-alone diagnostic or screening test.
It can support walking performance assessment and progress tracking, but it should not be used by itself to diagnose a condition, predict falls, classify neurological status, clear a client for sport or determine overall independence.
Common testing errors include:
using different course lengths between sessions
changing from fast-paced to self-paced walking
not recording walking aid use
changing footwear
timing one session by stopwatch and another by timing gates
not recording whether turns were included
not allowing safe turning space
not recording pain or symptoms
not recording fatigue
comparing results to norms from a different protocol
using the result as a diagnosis
Key limitations include:
results are protocol-dependent
turning affects performance in a 4 x 10m setup
symptoms can change walking speed
walking aid use changes interpretation
outdoor surface and weather can affect results
stopwatch timing introduces error
motivation and confidence influence pace
the test does not explain why speed changed
the test should be interpreted with other assessments
The 40m Fast Paced Walk Test can be used as part of a broader mobility profile.
It may help professionals:
monitor fast walking speed
track progress over time
assess ability to increase walking pace
monitor symptoms during faster walking
support hip and knee osteoarthritis functional assessment
compare walking speed with sit-to-stand and stair performance
guide walking or conditioning goals
support mobility confidence tracking
add objective performance data to client goals
For older adults, it may provide useful information about faster walking capacity.
For people with hip or knee symptoms, it can help track physical function over time.
For fitness clients, it may provide a simple walking-speed measure when sprinting or running is not appropriate.
In Measurz, record enough detail so the result can be repeated accurately.
Useful fields include:
test name
total distance
course setup
4 x 10m or straight 40m
timing method
time in seconds
calculated speed in m/s
trial number
best or average result
footwear
walking aid use
surface
indoor or outdoor
pain score
symptom location
fatigue or RPE
turning quality
gait-quality notes
reason for stopping
comparison to previous sessions
A strong note might look like:
“40m Fast Paced Walk Test. 4 x 10m indoor flat corridor, trainers, no walking aid. Fast safe walk, no running. Time: 31.6 s. Speed: 1.27 m/s. Mild right knee discomfort 2/10 after final turn. No loss of balance. Retest same setup.”
This is more useful than simply writing “40m walk completed”.
Useful related assessments include:
10m Walk Test
6 Minute Walk Test
Timed Up and Go
30 Second Chair Stand Test
Sit To Stand - 30 secs
Stair Climb Test
Bed Mobility – Supine To Standing
Single-Leg Balance
Gait Speed
Running Gait Checklist
Step-Up Test
Sprint Test
It measures how quickly a client can walk 40 metres at a fast but safe walking pace.
No. The client should walk as quickly and safely as possible without running.
Record the time in seconds. Walking speed can be calculated by dividing 40 by the time in seconds.
A 4 x 10m course allows the test to be completed in a smaller space, but it includes turns, which should be recorded because turning can affect performance.
If the client normally uses a walking aid, it may be appropriate to test with it. Record the aid clearly and keep it consistent across sessions.
No. It is a performance outcome measure and should not be used alone to diagnose a condition.
One or more trials may be used depending on fatigue, symptoms and the purpose of testing. Record whether the score is the first, best or average trial.
Use the same course, pace instruction, timing method, footwear, walking aid and scoring method across sessions.
The 40m Fast Paced Walk Test assesses fast walking speed over a fixed distance.
It is part of the OARSI recommended performance-based test set for hip and knee osteoarthritis contexts.
Results are highly dependent on setup, pace instruction, turning, timing method and walking aid use.
Walking speed is calculated as 40 divided by time in seconds.
Normative values should only be used when the protocol and population match.
Measurz should capture course setup, time, speed, symptoms, walking aid use, turns and progress over time.
Dobson, F., Hinman, R. S., Hall, M., Terwee, C. B., Roos, E. M., & Bennell, K. L. (2013). OARSI recommended performance-based tests to assess physical function in people diagnosed with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 21(8), 1042–1052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2013.05.002
Elbaz, A., Debbi, E. M., Segal, G., Haim, A., Halperin, N., Agar, G., Mor, A., & Debi, R. (2014). Sex and body mass index correlate with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and quality of life scores in knee osteoarthritis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(12), 2372–2378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2014.06.014
Osteoarthritis Research Society International. (2013). Recommended performance-based tests to assess physical function in people diagnosed with hip or knee osteoarthritis: Manual. OARSI.
Tolk, J. J., Janssen, R. P. A., Prinsen, C. A. C., Latijnhouwers, D. A. J. M., van der Steen, M. C. M., Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M. A., & Reijman, M. (2021). Measurement properties of fixed-distance walk tests in knee osteoarthritis: A narrative review. The Journal of Rheumatology, 48(5), 638–645. https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.200771
Yamada, M., Ichihashi, N., Kawai, H., Shimada, H., & Suzuki, T. (2011). The effect of the starting protocol on walking speed. Gait & Posture, 33(3), 519–521.
