35 Locomotion 4-meter Walk Test

Attachment 35
Locomotion 4 Meter Walk Test

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Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX
Name of test: Locomotion 4 Meter Walk Test
Estimated time burden: 3 minutes
Materials:
Stopwatch
Measuring tape with meters1
Two cones
Marker tape
Record sheet & clipboard
Description:
This measure of locomotion is administered in an open hallway using the same
path as the 2-minute walk. It is administered two times: once at normal
pace and once as fast as the participant feels comfortable walking.
Each trial has a practice preceding it.
Set-up:
Before the participant arrives and using the path marked out for the 2-minute
walk, put a piece of marker tape perpendicular to the course at a line 1.5
meters past the 4-meter line. Place a cone at the start line and at the line
5.5 meters from the start line. See the diagram below:

4
meters

1.5
meters

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 2 1/2 hours per response, including
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and
completing and reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions
for reducing this burden to: NIH, Project Clearance Branch, 6705 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7974, Bethesda, MD
20892-7974, ATTN: PRA (0925-xxxx*) EXP: (xx/xxxx). Do not return the completed form to this address.

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Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX

Administration Instructions:
As the participant walks to the walking course observe how they walk normally.
If they use a cane or other walking device and feel they need it for the
walking test, they may use it.
Condition 1: Normal Pace
The examiner should show the participant the walking course and say: “This
activity involves walking from one place to another. This is our walking
course (point to the course). I want you to walk to the other end of the course
at your usual speed, just as if you were walking down the street to go to the
store. ”
As the examiner demonstrates the walk, explain: “Let me show you what I want you
to do. Put both your feet together behind this line. Walk all the way past
the cone on the other end before you stop. 3, 2,1, Go!”
After the examiner returns, have the participant stand with both feet touching the start
line and say: “When I want you to start, I will say: “3, 2, 1, go. Do you have
any questions?”
Say: “Now you try. Remember to walk at your usual speed and keep walking
until you pass the cone. Ready? 3, 2, 1, Go!” When the participant passes
the cone, say: “That’s good. Do you have any questions?" (The examiner
should answer any questions the participant may ask.)
Say: “This time, I am going to time you when you walk at your usual speed. Are
you ready? 3, 2, 1, Go!”
Begin timing when the first footfall passes the start line; stop timing when the first
footfall passes the finish line (the line at 4 meters – not the line at 5.5
meters). The examiner should walk behind and to the side of the
participant. If the participant stumbles or tries to run, void that trial and
ask the participant to do a second trial.
Record the data on the record form and later transfer to the computer data
entry forms. Have the participant rest on a chair for at least one minute
between conditions.

Condition 2: Quick Pace
The examiner says: “This time when I say ‘Go’, I want you to walk as quickly as
you can without running or hurting yourself from this line (point to the
starting line) until you pass the cone at the other end.”
The examiner demonstrates the task, saying: “I am going to show you how to do
this. I’ll say ‘3, 2, 1, Go!’ Once I say ‘Go!’ I will start walking as quickly as I
can until I pass the cone. See that I am walking as quickly as I can

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without running or hurting myself. I keep walking until I pass the cone and
do not slow down until I pass the cone. 3, 2, 1, Go!” The examiner should
demonstrate the fast walking.
Say: “Notice, I walked as quickly as I could until I passed the cone.”
Say: “Now you try. Remember to walk as quickly as you can without running or
hurting yourself. Keep walking until you pass the cone and do not slow
down until you pass the cone. Ready? 3, 2, 1, Go!” When the participant
passes the cone, say: “That’s good. Do you have any questions?" (The
examiner should answer any questions the participant may ask.)
The examiner should say: “This time, I’m going to time you. Stand behind the
line. Remember, when I say ‘Go!’ walk as fast as you can without running
or hurting yourself until you pass the cone at the other end. Ready? 3, 2, 1,
Go!”
Begin timing when the first footfall passes the start line; stop timing when the first
footfall passes the finish line (the line at 4 meters – not the line at 5.5
meters). The examiner should walk behind and to the side of the
participant. If the participant stumbles or tries to run, void that trial and ask
the participant to do a second trial.
Record the data on the record form and later transfer to the computer data
entry forms.
Have the participant rest on a chair for at least one minute before the next task.