Walking speed found to reduce mortality risk regardless of step count

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that walking speed may be as critical as daily step counts in reducing the risk of premature death. Researchers from Monash University and the University of Sydney analyzed data from over 100,000 participants in the UK to examine the relationship between movement intensity and mortality.

The findings indicate that walking at a faster pace—defined as at least 80 steps per minute—can partially compensate for a lower total step count. For instance, individuals taking fewer than 5,000 steps per day at a higher speed showed a reduction in all-cause mortality risk comparable to those taking 5,000 to 7,500 steps at a slower pace of 60 steps per minute.

The greatest health benefits were observed in participants who combined a higher volume of steps (between 7,500 and 10,000) with a faster pace (90 to 100 steps per minute), resulting in a mortality risk reduction of over 40%. Experts noted that these results offer flexibility for older adults who may struggle to cover long distances but can maintain a brisk pace.