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Gait Speed Formula:
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Gait speed is a measure of how quickly a person can walk a specified distance. It's commonly used in healthcare settings to assess mobility, functional status, and overall health, particularly in older adults and rehabilitation patients.
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: The calculation divides the distance covered (in feet) by the time taken (in seconds) to determine walking speed in feet per second.
Details: Gait speed is a vital sign in geriatric medicine and rehabilitation. It correlates with functional ability, fall risk, and overall mortality. Regular assessment can track progress in physical therapy and detect declines in mobility.
Tips: Measure the distance walked in feet and the time taken in seconds. Enter both values (must be greater than zero) to calculate gait speed in feet per second.
Q1: What is a normal gait speed for adults?
A: Normal comfortable gait speed for healthy adults is typically 1.2-1.4 m/s (approximately 3.9-4.6 ft/s). Slower speeds may indicate mobility issues.
Q2: How is gait speed typically measured clinically?
A: Usually measured over a short distance (4-10 meters/13-33 feet) with timing gates or stopwatch, allowing for acceleration and deceleration phases.
Q3: Why measure in feet per second?
A: Feet per second is a common unit in countries using the imperial system. It can be easily converted to miles per hour (multiply by 0.6818) if needed.
Q4: What factors affect gait speed?
A: Age, muscle strength, balance, joint health, neurological conditions, pain, and overall fitness level all influence walking speed.
Q5: When should I be concerned about my gait speed?
A: If your gait speed falls below 0.8 m/s (approximately 2.6 ft/s), it may indicate increased fall risk and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.