Loading...
Printed on 4/21/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
Usual gait speed over a short distance (commonly 4 meters) is a robust predictor of frailty, disability, hospitalization, and mortality. It is simple, reproducible, and widely used in geriatric assessment and rehabilitation follow-up. Slower speeds are associated with lower physiologic reserve and higher adverse-event risk.
Formula: Walking speed (m/s) = 4 / time(seconds).
Gait speed is a validated functional vital sign; speeds below roughly 0.8 m/s are commonly associated with increased adverse-outcome risk.
Lower gait speeds suggest reduced mobility reserve and higher frailty/disability risk, supporting fall-prevention and rehabilitation-focused care planning.
Use in older-adult screening, rehab follow-up, preoperative assessment, and longitudinal function monitoring.
Performance can be affected by temporary pain, footwear, environment, and assistive-device use; test conditions should be standardized for trend comparisons.
For related assessments, see Timed Up and Go, SPPB Score and 5x Sit-to-Stand.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
Assess mobility and fall risk with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. TUG >12 seconds indicates high fall risk. Times the performance of standing, walking 3 meters, turning, and returning to seated.
GeriatricsEstimate lower-extremity functional performance with SPPB total score (0-12) from balance, gait speed, and chair stands.
GeriatricsAssess lower-extremity functional strength and mobility by timing 5 repeated chair stands.
GeriatricsScreen frailty using the 5-item FRAIL scale (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, Loss of weight).