Stair Ascent Speed

Monitor functional capacity and leg power with stair climbing metrics

What is Stair Ascent Speed?

Stair ascent speed is the average speed you climb stairs, measured in meters per second (m/s). Apple Watch automatically records this metric when you climb stairs.

Why Stair Ascent Speed Matters

Stair climbing ability is a strong indicator of functional capacity and overall health:

Reflects leg power - Requires strength, balance, and cardiovascular fitness
Functional independence marker - Ability to climb stairs predicts independent living capability
Early detection of decline - Slowing stair speed may indicate weakening muscles or cardiovascular issues
Sensitive to change - Responds quickly to fitness improvements or health declines

Stair Ascent Speed Ranges

General Guidelines

>0.4 m/s - Good functional capacity
0.3-0.4 m/s - Fair functional capacity
<0.3 m/s - May indicate reduced leg strength or cardiovascular fitness

Age and Fitness Factors

Stair ascent speed varies with:

Age - Naturally declines in older adults
Leg strength - Stronger legs enable faster climbing
Cardiovascular fitness - VO₂ Max correlates with stair speed
Body weight - Heavier individuals may climb more slowly

How Cardio Analytics Uses Stair Ascent Speed Data

Charts ascent speed trends - Track changes over weeks and months
Surfaces meaningful declines - Alerts when speed drops significantly
Correlates with VO₂ Max - See relationship between cardio fitness and stair climbing ability
Medication correlations - Track impact of cardiovascular medications on functional capacity
Combined mobility assessment - Use with walking speed and asymmetry for comprehensive evaluation

HealthKit Data Types

Cardio Analytics reads stair ascent speed data from Apple HealthKit using this identifier: