Understanding Your Walk Score

Congratulations on recording your walk!

You're probably wondering about your results and what the different parameters mean. Maybe some of your results are green, and others yellow. In this article, we'll explain each parameter, what the normal ranges are, and what they mean!
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Step-Rate

This parameter calculates how many steps a person takes over the course of one minute.
Normal: The ideal step rate is about 100 steps per minute for most. If you fall under this rate, your results may be yellow, which suggests less than optimal. However, it's important not to fret just yet if your results are yellow, as it may mean you're just taking longer steps. To be sure, contact your OneStep PT through the 24/7 chat feature.

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Stance Asymmetry

The difference in the percentage of time spent with your right leg touching the ground versus your left leg, when walking.
Normal: You want to aim to be as close to zero as possible, which would mean you're spending the same amount of time on each leg when you're walking. If you spend a greater amount of time on one side than the other, your score will be higher and will therefore indicate a less than optimal level.

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Stride Length

Your stride length is the distance between two consecutive steps.
Normal: The average stride length is between 132cm/53 inch and 148cm/58 inches. The exact measurement will depend on your height. If your score is below this amount, it means you are taking, on average, a shorter step than expected. Together with your physical therapist, you can work on practicing taking longer strides.

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Hip Range

Your hip range is the sum of measurements between hip flexion and hip extension. In other words, it's the entire movement of the hip in a single stride.
Normal: The average measurement of the hip range is between 30 and 45 degrees. If you are below this amount, it could be that you are not allowing your hip to extend back and/or forward enough. As to be expected, injuries or pain can, and often do, limit your total hip range. When you score anything abnormal, your OneStep physical therapist will be notified. Together, you'll work on exercises to address any underlying injuries or pain.

Speed

The speed at which people choose to or can walk. It's worth noting that speed may be significantly impacted by height, weight, age, walking surface, effort, fitness, and more.

For this parameter, many variables will factor into what's considered normal. Ideally, it would be best if you aimed to walk at a comfortable and natural pace, and one in which you remain balanced. Trying to walk faster than is comfortable (or intentionally slowing down) can cause a loss of balance, increase pain, or create unnecessary abnormal gait patterns. The benefit of the OneStep app and Walk Score is that they're there to remind you how to move naturally.

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Consistency

This parameter measures how similar your steps are to one another.
Normal: Ideally, your steps should be as close to 100% consistent as possible, but under 80% is good (and still in the green!). Your steps are measured on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 meaning perfect consistency. It's important to note that if your consistency score is low, this doesn't necessarily mean that your steps are irregular. Some people tend to favor a specific leg and take longer steps on one  side -- or generally spend more time on one leg than the other. After assessing multiple walks your healthcare provider will know if an abnormal score is something to be corrected or part of a more significant trend.

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Double Support

The percentage of time that both feet are on the ground at the same time. A score of 0 would imply you are running (with neither foot simultaneously on the ground), and a score of 100 means you are standing still.
Normal: An average and healthy walk is typically between 28 and 40%. As people recover from surgery, their double support time should decrease -which is a good indication of recovery. If you are above this amount, it means you are spending above-average time with both feet on the ground and less time with one foot in the air. This is very common when we're in pain, are injured or recovering from surgery, or are struggling with balance.

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