1. What is Gait Speed?

Gait speed is a measure of how fast a person walks, typically measured in meters per second (m/s). It's an important indicator of mobility, functional status, and overall health, particularly in older adults and rehabilitation settings.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic physics formula for speed:

Where:

• \( Speed \) — Walking speed in meters per second (m/s)
• \( Distance \) — Distance walked in meters (m)
• \( Time \) — Time taken to walk the distance in seconds (s)

Explanation: The formula calculates the average speed over the measured distance by dividing the total distance by the total time taken.

3. Importance of Gait Speed Measurement

Details: Gait speed is a reliable functional assessment tool used in geriatrics, rehabilitation, and sports medicine. It can predict fall risk, functional decline, and mortality in older adults, and is used to monitor progress in rehabilitation programs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the distance walked in meters and the time taken in seconds. Both values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, measure over a standardized distance (typically 4-10 meters) in a straight, unobstructed path.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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. Speeds below 1.0 m/s may indicate mobility impairment.

Q2: How is gait speed measured clinically?
A: Typically measured over a 4-10 meter walkway, with timing starting after the first meter to account for acceleration and stopping before the last meter to account for deceleration.

Q3: Why is gait speed important in older adults?
A: Gait speed is a strong predictor of functional decline, hospitalization, and mortality in older populations. It's often called the "sixth vital sign" in geriatric assessment.

Q4: Can gait speed be used to monitor rehabilitation progress?
A: Yes, improvements in gait speed are a key outcome measure in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs for various conditions including stroke, joint replacement, and neurological disorders.

Q5: What factors can affect gait speed measurements?
A: Age, height, muscle strength, joint flexibility, pain, fatigue, cognitive function, environmental factors, and use of assistive devices can all influence gait speed measurements.