Walk/Run Stride
inches or centimeters
Stride length is estimated from wrist motion and height, and can differ from lab-grade gait measurements or other devices. Use the trend over time rather than any single reading.
Personalized stride length used to improve step count and distance accuracy.
Typical optimal range 65 cm - 85 cm
Population median 72 cm
Key factors
- Footwear type and terrain
- Fatigue and gait changes over time
- Pace differences between walking and running
What affects this metric
- Calibrating it improves distance accuracy directly.
- Fatigue shortens stride late in a long walk or run.
- Stride length scales with height and with walking or running pace.
- Terrain, incline, and footwear change it.
References
Peer-reviewed sources supporting the key factors, contributing factors, and typical optimal range shown above.
- Bohannon RW, Williams Andrews A. Normal walking speed: a descriptive meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2011;97(3):182–189. doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2010.12.004
- Fuller D, Colwell E, Low J, et al.. Reliability and validity of commercially available wearable devices for measuring steps, energy expenditure, and heart rate: systematic review. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. 2020;8(9):e18694. doi.org/10.2196/18694
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your clinician about your own results.