Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
4-2015
Program
Physical Therapy
Abstract
Walking speed (WS) is a valid, reliable, and sensitive measure appropriate for assessing and monitoring functional status and overall health in a wide range of populations. These capabilities have led to its designation as the “sixth vital sign”. By synthesizing the available evidence on WS, this scholarly review article provides clinicians with a reference tool regarding this robust measure. Recommendations on testing procedures for assessing WS, including optimal distance, inclusion of acceleration and deceleration phases, instructions, and instrumentation are given. After assessing an individual's WS, clinicians need to know what this value represents. Therefore, WS cut-off values and the corresponding predicted outcomes, as well as minimal detectable change values for specific populations and settings are provided.
DOI
10.1123/japa.2013-0236
PMID
24812254
Recommended Citation
Middleton, A., Fritz, S., & Lusardi, M. (2015). Walking speed: The functional vital sign. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity, 23(2):314-322. Doi: 10.1123/japa.2013-0236
Publication
Journal of Aging & Physical Activity
Volume
23
Issue
2
Publisher
Human Kinetics Journals
Pages
314-322
Comments
Version posted is the HHS Public Access Author Manuscript.
Published in final edited form as: J Aging Phys Act. 2015 April ; 23(2): 314–322. doi:10.1123/japa.2013-0236.