1. What is a Gait Speed Calculator?

Definition: This calculator measures walking speed by dividing distance walked by time taken.

Purpose: It helps healthcare professionals assess mobility, functional status, and fall risk in patients.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( GS \) — Gait speed (meters/second)
• \( D \) — Distance walked (meters)
• \( T \) — Time taken (seconds)

Explanation: The simple division of distance by time provides an objective measure of walking speed.

3. Importance of Gait Speed Measurement

Details: Gait speed is a vital sign of mobility and a strong predictor of health outcomes, functional decline, and mortality.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the distance walked in meters and time taken in seconds. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal gait speed?
A: For healthy older adults, normal is about 1.2-1.4 m/s. Below 1.0 m/s indicates mobility impairment.

Q2: How is the distance typically measured?
A: Standard tests use 4-10 meter walkways, with timing of the middle section to eliminate acceleration/deceleration.

Q3: Why is gait speed important clinically?
A: It correlates with functional ability, predicts falls, and helps monitor rehabilitation progress.

Q4: Should patients use assistive devices during testing?
A: Test should reflect usual walking - with devices if normally used, but document this for comparison.

Q5: How can I convert from feet to meters?
A: Multiply feet by 0.3048 to get meters (e.g., 10 feet = 3.048 meters).