Walking Speed is the 6th Vital Sign

The five vital signs (body temperature, pulse rate/ heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation) are performed by healthcare professionals to measure the body’s basic functions. In the physical therapy and rehabilitation world, walking speed is often referred to as the “6^th vital sign” or the “functional vital sign” because of its potential to predict future health status and functional decline.¹ If indicated, walking speed is measured at your initial visit with a physical therapist and used to quantify progress throughout your episode of care. You are allowed to use an assistive device like a cane, walker, or even walking poles to complete this assessment. Your physical therapist will ask you to walk at your normal, comfortable pace over 10 meters and then calculate your walking speed based on your score.

Why is Walking Speed Important?

Your self-selected walking speed, also known as gait velocity, correlates with functional mobility and balance confidence.¹ In general, anywhere between 1.2-1.4 m/s is a normal walking speed.¹ Slower walking speed below 1.2-1.4 m/s has important indications for your health. A walking speed of less than 0.6 m/s indicates an individual is more likely to be dependent on their ADLs (activities of daily living) and IADLs (instrumental activities of daily living) and to be hospitalized.¹ Examples of ADLs include showering, dressing, getting in/out of bed and IADLs include cooking, cleaning, and managing finances. Moreover, a person with a walking speed less than 1.0 m/s needs intervention to reduce their fall risk.¹ Walking speed has been shown to predict your mobility level in and outside the home. 0 to 0.4 m/s predicts a person will functionally ambulate for shorter, household distances while a walking speed between 0.8 to 1.3 predicts a person will ambulate for longer, community distances, and > 1.3 m/s indicate a person can safely cross the street.¹ Improvement of 0.5 m/s in your walking speed has been shown to be linked to meaningful changes in a person’s quality of life in diverse group of older adults all with varying diagnoses.¹

Just like the other vital signs, walking speed (or gait speed) has been shown to be an important indicator of your current health status and mobility level. Good news! Physical therapists are highly trained health professionals who can assess your walking speed and create a plan of care designed to improve your self-selected pace. Live Your Life offers physical therapy services that come to you! Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help improve your quality of life.

References

¹Fritz S, Lusardi M. White Paper: “Walking Speed: the Sixth Vital Sign.” Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 2009;32(2):2-5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1519/00139143-200932020-00002