2024-05-12: Timed walk app found in a new study protocol with heart failure patients.

In a a study run by the University of Florida, researchers are using the Timed Walk app with heart failure patients to understand whether the patient-directed monitoring of heart failure progression using the app promotes timely and appropriate utilization of Ventricular assist devices therapy.

2024-04-20: The algorithm used in the Timed Walk app has the highest accuracy if users walk over a regular path.

In a an article published by Malmö University, the algorithm used to compute the walked distance of the app, there named QSS, was compared with other algorithms published in literature. Results show that QSS has the highest accuracy among the compared algorithms, but only if the tracks are somewhat straight and regular. When the walked path is "unconventional" the error increases considerably for all algorithms. The study also confirms that limits of agreements are within recommended ranges for most diseases (LOAs :−22.22, 37.31) if the user of the app follow the recommendations.

2024-03-07: An indipendent validation study finds limitations to the use of the app.

In a paper published on JMIR Formative Research, authors from Brisbane, Australia, have compared a conventional 6MWT with one performed with the app, on 36 patients with persistent pain. They show that while the two measurements have excellent correlation and ICC, the limits of agreement fall slightly outside the maximum allowable difference of 100m (LOAs= -77m and 104m). It has to be noted that the tests were performed on the same day, but at different times, in other words, it is not clear to what extent these differences are due to inaccuracy introduced by the app or to subjects' variations in the walked distance, as also discussed by the authors. The study provides some interesting exploratory analysis, for example showing that tests performed using Android phones had a higher difference, or that patients scored higher pain when performing the conventional 6MWT rather than the app-based one.

2023-12-30: App used in an indipendent study, proves validity of tele-6MWT with the app.

In the PHRET study, run in Scotland, 59 pulmonary hypertension patients performed a 6MWT in clinic and a series of tests at home: a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, a Sit-to-Stand (STS), a Step Test (ST), and a tele-6MWT (T6MWT). The T6MWT was performed using the Timed Walk App. Results confirm excellent correlation between conventional 6MWT and app-based T6MWT (r=0.93) and agreement in direction of change of the 6MWD (79% of the cases). Interestingly, the T6MWT could only be performed by 49% of patients, compared to, for example, 97% of patients who completed the TUG test.

2023-10-03: Timed Walk app being used in a research study about chronic pain–early cognitive decline in older adults

In a research protocol published at JMIR Research Protocols researchers designed a single-blinded randomized clinical trial to establish the efficacy of the mind-body activity program named "Active Brains" in improving self-reported and objective outcomes of physical, cognitive, and emotional functions in 260 older adults. Researchers decided to employ the Timed Walk app to measure the 6-minute walk distance as one of the primary outcomes. The same research group previously published the study protocol for the "Virtual Active Brains-Fitbit (AB-F)" study, a live video program for older adults with chronic pain and cognitive decline that teaches mind-body skills and gradual increases in step count.

2022-09-22: Indipendent study confirms good accuracy of the app.

In a new study conducted at Linköping University, 37 volunteers, including cardiac patients, performed a conventional 6MWT with the guidance of a care professionals and a 6MWT at home, using the Timed Walk app.

Researchers compared the distance measured with the standard 6MWT in clinic, and the one at home, using the app, and found that the mean of the differences was -4m ± 45m, with an overall agreement of 97% and an ICC of 0.96. These results are compatible with what was found in the study conducted at Oxford where the difference between distances was 2m ± 47m.

Authors conclude that: Use of an app is feasible, reliable and valid to assess 6MWD.

2022-03-14: App version 0.3.0 released

The new release contains:

  • Italian translations
  • updated libraries and dependencies

2021-08-16: App version 0.2.0 released

The new release contains:

  • improved textual instructions
  • added phone model into detailed test report
  • added motion sensors data to detailed test report
  • updated privacy policy
  • added tool for the visualization of acceleration in webpage

2020-10-19: Timed walk app website published