A method to calculate cadence in the clinical setting and determine its variability using common outcome measures

Authors

• Tyler D. Klenow, Otto Bock HealthCare, Texas
• Frank J. Fedel, Eastern Michigan University
• Johannes Schaepper, Loma Linda University
• Gurinder S. Bains, Loma Linda University
• M. Jason Highsmith

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Department/School

Health Promotion and Human Performance

Publication Title

Technology and Innovation

Abstract

The absence of validated cadence calculation methods using observational gait analysis has prevented clinical translation to treatment of many movement conditions and interventions such as lower-extremity amputation. The 10-meter walk test (10mWT) and Four-Square Step Test (FSST) may allow for variable cadence calculation at comfortable and fastest-possible speeds. The purpose of this study was to invent a methodology for calculating cadence from the 10mWT and FSST in the clinical setting, report basic psychometric properties, determine variability between speed conditions, and perform a power analysis for future translation. Forty healthy subjects completed three trials of the 10mWT and two trials of the FSST at comfortable and fastest-possible speeds in an initial and follow-up session. Trials were recorded and evaluated by two independent raters for reliability. Video gait analysis was used for concurrent validity. Intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated for validity and reliability. Mean-calculated cadence for the 10mWT was 89.9 steps/min for comfortable and 139.4 steps/min for the fastest possible conditions. Corresponding cadence means for the FSST were 114.0 steps/min and 159.2 steps/min, respectively. Absolute error was 3.96% for the 10mWT and 9.73% for FSST. In conclusion, variable cadence can be determined in healthy adults using the 10mWT and FSST at comfortable and fastest possible speed conditions in the clinical setting. This ability is shown within each outcome measure and between measures. Further research with amputee subjects is warranted.

Comments

F. J. Fedel is a faculty member in EMU's School of Health Promotion and Human Performance.

Link to Published Version

DOI: 10.1080/19498241.2024.2420591

Recommended Citation

Klenow, T. D., Fedel, F. J., Schaepper, J., Bains, G. S., & Highsmith, M. J. (2025). A method to calculate cadence in the clinical setting and determine its variability using common outcome measures. Technology and Innovation, 24(1), 101–111. https://doi.org/10.1080/19498241.2024.2420591