Walking Cadence and Mortality Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Justin C. Brown, MA1,3, Michael O. Harhay, MPH1,3, and Meera N. Harhay, MD, MSCE1,2,3 1

Center for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; 2Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; 3University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

BACKGROUND: Older adults are encouraged to walk ≥100 steps∙minute−1 for moderate-intensity physical activity (i.e., brisk walking). It is unknown if the ability to walk ≥100 steps∙minute−1 predicts mortality. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the ability to walk ≥100 steps∙minute−1 predicts mortality among older adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: A populationbased cohort study among 5,000 older adults from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES III; 1988–1994). Vital status and cause of death were collected through December 31, 2006. Median follow-up was 13.4 years. Average participant age was 70.6 years. MEASUREMENTS: Walking cadence (steps∙minute−1) was calculated using a timed 2.4-m walk. Walking cadence was dichotomized at 100 steps∙minute −1 (≥100 steps∙minute−1 versus