Average speed of walking
Gait speed measurement is the most widely used tool in clinical practice for the assessment of physical performance. 74ĭavid Barry BS, BAppSci (Hons), DC, ND, in Textbook of Natural Medicine (Fifth Edition), 2020 Gait Speed Waters and colleagues reported a similar average of 82 m/min for adults. 73 Others reported WSs in m/min to be compatible with other energy and cadence measurements. Collectively, the range for normal WS for adults is between 1.2 and 1.4 m/s. 72 To follow the International Standards of Measurement, gait speed should be expressed in m/s. In people without pathology, several factors affect walking, including age, gender, lower extremity length, strength, and spontaneous variability between individuals. 71 Fritz and Lusardi suggest a 10-m test with added 5-m for acceleration and 5-m for deceleration. Suggested walkway distance varied greatly between studies however, a walkway as short as 6-m (recording zone is the central 4-m) is still a reliable measure. Most published reports measured WS for the middle 6-m of a 10-m walkway to avoid the acceleration and deceleration phases and capture the steady WS. Clinicians, however, can reliably measure WS in almost any clinical setting using a stopwatch and a walkway.
#AVERAGE SPEED OF WALKING PORTABLE#
In gait laboratory investigations, researchers have used a variety of state-of-the-art equipment including portable computerized walkways, motion analysis systems, and foot switch technology to measure WS. 3 The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function includes WS as a measure of motor function. Vital signs 1 to 5 include pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, pain, and temperature. Fritz and Lusardi suggested considering WS as the “sixth vital sign” in older adults. Numerous factors contribute to WS, including joint mobility, muscle strength, sensory function, neural control, cognitive status, and energy level, so it can reflect overall health. 64 Several studies demonstrated that WS can predict important aspects of health status and future events including hospitalization, 65 discharge location, 66,67 future health status, 68,69and mortality. 62 WS also correlates with functional ability, 63 physiological changes, 63 and balance confidence. 61 In a group of frail elderly individuals, Van Iersel demonstrated that a 5% change in WS had a sensitivity of 92% to detect clinically relevant change. WS as a functional measure is highly reliable and sensitive, regardless of the method of measurement. 59,60 In the gait laboratory, this preferred speed is referred to as “free walking velocity” to be distinguished from “fast walking velocity.” This speed is the most efficient for that person faster or slower speed will require more energy. On level ground, people without pathology consistently walk at a preferred/comfortable or “self-selected” WS. Since walking is usually measured in the forward direction, the distinction between speed and velocity is not significant.
The term velocity indicates not only the speed of travel but also the specific direction of travel. 47 WS is the time required for a person to traverse a specific distance. WS (or gait velocity) is the fundamental walking measure that defines the person’s basic walking ability. Olfat Mohamed, Heather Appling, in Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation (Fourth Edition), 2020 Walking Speed