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Could a hallway walk replace complex equipment in diabetes care? A UK study found that a simple stopwatch-timed 28-meter walk test was feasible and well-accepted in a general practice diabetes clinic, with results closely matching accelerometer readings. Staff completed the test in just 2–5 minutes per patient, making it a practical option for routine care.
Could a hallway stroll replace expensive equipment in diabetes clinics? A small UK study says it just might. Researchers tested three methods of measuring walking speed — a stopwatch-timed walk, an accelerometer, and a treadmill — in 30 patients with type 2 diabetes at a single general practice. The timed 28-meter walk (four passes of a 7-meter corridor) proved both feasible and acceptable to patients and staff alike, with results closely mirroring those from the accelerometer.
The treadmill, on the other hand, was a no-go for routine care — taking 10–20 minutes per patient compared to just 2–5 minutes for the timed walk. Walking speeds remained consistent at a 6-month follow-up, suggesting the timed walk is also reliable over time.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Walking speed is an emerging marker of functional health and cardiovascular risk. A quick, low-cost timed walk test could make it practical for primary care diabetes clinics to routinely monitor patients' physical function — no fancy equipment required.
