The association of physical activity (PA) intensities and duration spent in those activities with different walking tasks remains unclear.

To examine the association between the duration of PA intensities and three walking speeds (usual walking speed, maximal walking speed and zig-zag walking speed).

Multiple linear regression analysis was used to estimate the association of age, BMI, maximum knee extension strength, light PA, moderate PA and vigorous PA with walking speeds. Setting: University lab. Participants: Eighty-six older women (67 ± 7 years).

PA was measured for 30 consecutive days using the Lifecorder-EX accelerometer. Exercise intensity was categorized as light (levels 1-3), moderate (levels 4-6) and vigorous (levels 7–9) based on the manufacturer algorithms. Usual straight walking speed (20 m), maximal straight walking speed (20 m) and zig-zag walking speed tests (10 m) were performed by each participant.

For the usual straight walking speed model (R² = 0.296, SEE = 0.15 m/s), the significant predictors were BMI, knee extension strength, light PA and vigorous PA. For the maximal straight walking speed model (R² = 0.326, SEE = 0.20 m/s), only age was a significant predictor. For the zig-zag walking speed model (R²=0.417, SEE = 0.14 m/s), age and maximum knee strength were significant predictors in the model.

Overall, the results of this study suggest that vigorous PA and maximal knee extension strength are two important factors that are associated with different walking speeds in older women.