1. What is Gait Speed?

Gait speed is a measure of how fast a person walks, typically expressed in meters per second (m/s). It is a simple but powerful indicator of mobility, functional status, and overall health in clinical and research settings.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic physics formula for speed:

Where:

• \( \text{Distance} \) — Distance walked in meters
• \( \text{Time} \) — Time taken to walk the distance in seconds

Explanation: This straightforward calculation divides the total distance covered by the time taken, providing the average walking speed.

3. Importance of Gait Speed Measurement

Details: Gait speed is a vital clinical measure used to assess mobility, predict functional decline, monitor rehabilitation progress, and evaluate overall health status in various populations including older adults and patients with neurological conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the distance walked in meters and the time taken in seconds. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal gait speed for adults?
A: For healthy adults, normal comfortable gait speed typically ranges from 1.2 to 1.4 m/s, though this can vary with age and health status.

Q2: Why is gait speed important in clinical assessment?
A: Gait speed is considered the "sixth vital sign" as it strongly correlates with functional ability, fall risk, and overall mortality.

Q3: How should gait speed be measured in clinical practice?
A: Typically measured over a set distance (often 4-10 meters) with timing devices, ensuring the patient walks at their usual comfortable pace.

Q4: What factors can affect gait speed?
A: Age, gender, height, muscle strength, balance, neurological conditions, joint problems, and overall health can all influence walking speed.

Q5: When should gait speed assessment be performed?
A: During geriatric assessments, rehabilitation monitoring, pre-operative evaluations, and when assessing patients with mobility issues or chronic conditions.