10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)
What It Measures
The 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) is a quick performance test that measures how fast a person can walk over a short distance. By tracking gait speed in meters per second, this tool gives a clear picture of overall walking ability, movement, and balance. Occupational therapy and physical therapy practitioners use these objective scores to set safe mobility goals, plan daily rehab care, and track functional gains over time.
Walking speed is a vital sign of physical health and real-world functional independence. A steady walking pace shows how well a person can move safely at home and in the community. For this reason, the test is widely used across acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care.
Additional Notes
Licensing Notes: The 10-Meter Walk Test is in the public domain and free to administer for clinical, research, and educational purposes without licensing or royalty fees.
