Cadence

Number of steps per unit time

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Normal cadence is the number of steps taken per unit of time¹

Normal Range

Normal range for cadence is 91 to 138 steps per minute¹.

Increased Cadence

Increased cadence is accompanied by a shorter step length and decreased duration of the period of double support¹.

Running occurs when the period of double support disappears, typically at a cadence of 180 steps per minute.

References

1.

O’Sullivan SB, Schmitz TJ, eds. Improving Functional Outcomes in Physical Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. F.A. Davis Company; 2016.