1. What is Gait Speed?

Gait speed is a measure of how fast a person walks, typically expressed in feet per second (ft/s). It's an important clinical indicator of mobility, functional status, and overall health in various populations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gait speed formula:

Where:

• \( Distance \) — Walking distance in feet (ft)
• \( Time \) — Time taken to cover the distance in seconds (s)

Explanation: The formula calculates the average walking speed by dividing the total distance covered by the time taken to cover that distance.

3. Importance of Gait Speed Measurement

Details: Gait speed is a reliable predictor of functional decline, fall risk, hospitalization, and mortality in older adults. It's widely used in geriatric assessment, rehabilitation, and clinical research.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the distance walked in feet and the time taken in seconds. Ensure both values are positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal gait speed for adults?
A: Normal gait speed varies by age, but generally 1.2-1.4 m/s (3.9-4.6 ft/s) is considered normal for healthy adults. Speeds below 1.0 m/s (3.3 ft/s) may indicate mobility issues.

Q2: How is gait speed measured clinically?
A: Typically measured over a set distance (4-10 meters/13-33 feet) using a stopwatch. The patient walks at their usual pace from a standing start.

Q3: Why is gait speed important in older adults?
A: It's a strong predictor of survival, functional decline, and need for care. A decrease of 0.1 m/s (0.33 ft/s) per year may indicate declining health.

Q4: Can gait speed be improved?
A: Yes, through exercise programs, strength training, balance exercises, and physical therapy. Even small improvements can significantly impact functional independence.

Q5: What factors affect gait speed?
A: Age, muscle strength, balance, joint health, neurological conditions, pain, fear of falling, and environmental factors can all influence walking speed.