GAIT SPEED AS A FUNCTIONAL VITAL SIGN: FROM IMPLEMENTATION TO INTERVENTION
2024
Gait Speed as a Functional Vital Sign
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Baillargeon Emma, Garbin Alexander, Bean Jonathan, Lo, Brach
Primary Institution: Oxford University Press US
Hypothesis
Routine gait speed assessment can identify and treat mobility limitations in older adults.
Conclusion
Routine gait speed assessment in outpatient care is feasible and can significantly improve care for older adult patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults with impaired mobility are at greater risk of falls and hospitalization.
- Walking speed is a strong predictor of overall health.
- Routine gait speed assessment is not commonly performed in clinics.
Takeaway
Measuring how fast older people walk can help doctors find and treat problems with their movement before they get worse.
Methodology
The symposium presents projects on implementing gait speed assessment in outpatient geriatric clinics and app-based walking assessments.
Participant Demographics
Older adults with impaired mobility.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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