Slow Walkers Run the Risk of Earlier Death

French researchers have examined the possible link between low walking speed and cardiovascular mortality in older people.  Their findings are posted online in the British Medical Journal.  

Over 3,200 men and women aged 65 or older, living in Dijon, France, were recruited in 1999 to 2001, and followed for an average of 5 years.  Their baseline walking speed was measured at maximum speed (without running) over a 20 feet distance.  The subjects were divided into 3 groups (tertiles) based on their maximum walking speed. 

During the follow-up period, 209 participants died: 99 from cancer, 59 from cardiovascular disease, and 512 from other causes.  Those in the lowest tertile (i.e. the third with the slowest walking speed) had a 44% increased risk of death, compared with the mid- and high-speed walkers.  This increase was almost entirely due to cardiovascular deaths – the increase for these was about 4 times greater in the slowest third of walkers.

A noted geriatrician, writing in an accompanying editorial, point out one should avoid being too simplistic.  The walking speed shows how fit someone is, and it’s more accurate than just asking someone how much exercise they do.  And we should remember that an observational study, like this one, can only provide a reason for a more predictive study, e.g. a prospective study comparing one or more groups.  And it would be interesting to know if slow walkers were to undertake exercise and learn to walk faster, this would alter their chances of cardiovascular mortality.