Lexicon
Gait Speed
Also known as Walking speed
Definition
Walking speed is a valid, reliable, and sensitive measure appropriate for assessing and monitoring functional status and overall health in a wide range of populations, which has led to its designation as the sixth vital sign. [1] Gait speed is an important measure of functional ability and has been widely used in older adults as an indicator of frailty. [2] It is one of the variables, alongside grip strength and muscle mass, used in algorithms for sarcopenia case finding in older individuals. [3]
How it works
Gait speed reflects physical performance, one of the parameters that together with muscle mass and muscle strength defines sarcopenia. [3] Slow walking speed is one of the symptoms characterizing frailty, a decline in physiological and cognitive state associated with higher risk of hospitalization and death. [4] Gait and balance disorders are among the major modifiable risk factors for falls in community-dwelling older adults. [5]
Connected concepts
How it's measured
In studies of gait speed in older adults, walking distance was assessed over distances between 2.4 and 15 m, with 4 m being the most commonly used, and assessments were typically repeated at a usual pace with the result recorded in meters per second. [2] There is diversity in measurement protocols across clinical settings, including the timing device, walking distance, and use of walking aids, which creates variability in outcomes and motivates a standardized protocol. [2] Rapid screening for sarcopenia using gait speed or the SARC-F is advocated in international clinical practice guidelines. [6]
What levels mean
Guidelines recommend that individuals with gait speed less than 0.8 to 1 m/s should receive fall prevention interventions. [5] The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia recommends a usual gait speed cut-off of less than 0.8 m/s to indicate low physical performance. [7] In a meta-analysis of healthy adults, normal gait speed ranged from a mean of 143.4 cm per second for men aged 40 to 49 years to a mean of 94.3 cm per second for women aged 80 to 99 years.
Community knowledge
The longevitydocs community's collective insight and shared knowledge on this concept — across text, video, audio and images from members and faculty, reserved for members.
Learn about our Membership planReferences
- 1.Middleton A, Fritz SL, Lusardi M. Walking speed: the functional vital sign. J Aging Phys Act · 2015
- 2.Mehmet H, Robinson SR, Yang AWH. Assessment of Gait Speed in Older Adults. J Geriatr Phys Ther · 2020
- 3.Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Baeyens JP, Bauer JM, Boirie Y, Cederholm T, Landi F, Martin FC, Michel JP. Sarcopenia: European consensus on definition and diagnosis: Report of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Age Ageing · 2010
- 4.Chan GC, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Ng JK, Tian N, Burns A, Chow KM, Szeto CC, Li PK. Frailty in patients on dialysis. Kidney Int · 2024
- 5.Colón-Emeric CS, McDermott CL, Lee DS, Berry SD. Risk Assessment and Prevention of Falls in Older Community-Dwelling Adults: A Review. JAMA · 2024
- 6.Dent E, Morley JE, Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Arai H, Kritchevsky SB, Guralnik J, Bauer JM, Pahor M.
Community discussion
Clinical pearls and discussion posted by community members on this concept — signed contributions, reserved for members.
Learn about our Membership plan