The Functional Vital Sign: Gait Speed

In 2009, walking speed was coined as the sixth vital sign in a white paper; in 2015, a scholarly review by the same 2 authors of the white paper called walking speed the functional vital sign. The scholarly review expands on the white paper in relation to specifics in testing to ensure it is a valid and reliable measurement, as previously there was some inconsistencies related to distance, pace, instructions, and instrumentation to name a few. Gait speed assists with functional outcomes in multiple settings. There is information related to gait speed in acute care, post acute care, long term care and outpatient. Finally, treatment ideas to improve walking speed will be discussed.

Upon completion of this course, the attendee will be able to:

• Apply the specifics of testing to ensure gait speed is a valid and reliable measurement tool.
• Analyze how to use gait speed in different treatment settings.
• Create effective treatment interventions to improve gait speed.