SOURCES & METHODOLOGY
Understanding FinchQ Score
One summary. A closer look at the measurements, choices, and limits behind it.
What the Score tells you
FinchQ Score brings selected mobility and available physiological information into a 0–100 wellness summary. It is designed to help you notice patterns and changes, then explore the measurements behind them.
A higher Score reflects a more favorable pattern under FinchQ’s calculation rules. It is not a percentage of health, a diagnosis, or a probability of avoiding a fall. A Score of 80 does not mean “80% healthy.”
Where the information comes from
FinchQ reads supported Apple Health information with your permission. Its core mobility information normally comes from qualifying iPhone recordings. Permission alone does not create data; the iPhone needs opportunities to record your walking.
Apple Watch is optional and adds supported health and activity information. iPad can display FinchQ, but an iPad alone may not provide the iPhone-derived mobility information needed for these insights.
An unavailable result means there isn’t enough data. “Waiting for Health data,” “Learning,” or an unavailable value means there is not enough qualifying information for that view. It does not mean your function is poor—or that no risk exists.
The pieces behind the number
Walking speed
How quickly you walk. Pace can vary with setting, purpose, symptoms, fatigue, and confidence.
Step length
The distance covered by a step. Height, speed, terrain, and walking style affect it.
Walking asymmetry
Apple’s estimate of the proportion of steps with unequal timing between sides. This is a measurement clue, not a diagnosis.
Double-support time
The portion of a walking cycle when both feet are on the ground. Interpret it alongside walking speed and context; it is not a direct balance examination.
Recorded falls
Fall-count information available in Apple Health over the preceding 365 days. No recorded fall does not prove that no fall occurred.
Available physiological information
Supported blood pressure, and glucose data can adjust the summary when qualifying information is available. These measurements do not replace clinical interpretation.
How FinchQ Score is calculated
FinchQ builds a mobility base from walking speed and at least two available supporting components: step-length change, walking asymmetry, and double-support time. Step length contributes through its change from the preceding week.
FinchQ applies its proprietary calibration to that mobility base, then subtracts applicable deductions for recorded falls, blood glucose, and blood pressure. The final Score is limited to 0–100.
Recorded falls in the preceding 365 days produce a deduction of 0 points for no recorded falls, 4 points for one, and 8 points for two or more. These are FinchQ’s proprietary wellness rules, not clinically validated risk thresholds.
Reading change responsibly
Compare the Score with its own history and examine which measurements changed. Differences in available data, recording conditions, and device use can change the summary even when your underlying function has not changed in the same way.
A stable Score can also hide changes in individual measurements. New symptoms or difficulty with everyday activities deserve attention even if the number looks reassuring.
What this summary cannot establish
FinchQ Score is not a comprehensive assessment of health, strength, balance, cognition, or independence. It does not diagnose disease, estimate life expectancy, or establish that an activity is safe.
Supporting studies and Apple’s measurement validation do not establish clinical validation of FinchQ’s combined Score. Sensor readings and manually entered information may be incomplete or inaccurate.
Sources & methodology notes
These references explain the underlying measurements and research context. They do not, by themselves, validate FinchQ’s proprietary Score calculation.
Apple: Measuring Walking Quality Through iPhone Mobility Metrics
Explains the development and validation of Apple’s walking measurements.
Studenski and colleagues: Gait Speed and Survival in Older Adults (2011)
Provides research context for walking speed. Population associations are not an individual prognosis.
Apple HealthKit: Recorded fall count
Documents the Apple Health data type used for recorded falls.
CDC: STEADI clinical resources
Provides clinical fall-screening, assessment, and prevention resources. FinchQ does not reproduce a complete STEADI assessment.