GAIT SPEED: The 6th Vital Sign in Healthy Aging

GAIT SPEED: The 6th Vital Sign in Healthy Aging

While temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain are commonly known as vital signs, a 6th vital sign—gait speed—is gaining recognition as a crucial indicator of overall health.

Gait speed is a simple yet powerful predictor of physical function and potential health risks. And has shown to predict adverse outcomes as effectively as some more invasive clinical tests.

Gait speed declines naturally with age, but a noticeable slowdown can uncover underlying issues such as muscle weakness, poor balance, or undiagnosed medical conditions.

By identifying these early warning signs, healthcare providers can intervene with tailored therapies, including physical activity, balance training, and nutritional support, to improve outcomes.

A gait speed slower than 0.8 meters per second (m/s) is often associated with higher risk for frailty, falls, and functional decline.

Older adults with gait speeds below 0.6 m/s are approximately 1.9 times more likely to be classified as frail compared to those with speeds over 1.0 m/s.

Those with gait speeds between 0.6–0.8 m/s are considered at moderate risk, often requiring closer monitoring and intervention.

For every 0.1 m/s decline in gait speed, the risk of future health complications, including disability and hospitalization, increases by approximately 10-12%.