Gait Speed: The Sixth Vital Sign in Senior Care

Gait speed, often called the “sixth vital sign,” is a powerful predictor of overall health and function in older adults. Just like blood pressure or heart rate, gait speed provides essential insights into a patient’s well-being. Assessing gait speed in the home setting enables physical therapists to identify functional impairments and potential fall risk before an injury takes place.

Many older adults instinctively slow down their walking pace as a protective strategy, believing that moving more cautiously will help prevent falls. While this intention is understandable, research shows that walking too slowly can actually increase fall risk by reducing momentum, altering balance strategies, and limiting responsiveness to environmental challenges.

Physical therapists typically assess gait speed by timing how long it takes a patient to walk a short, measured distance—usually 3 to 10 meters—at their normal pace. This simple, quick test offers critical data. A slower gait speed (under 0.7 meters/second) may indicate increased fall risk, frailty, or early functional decline.

Once assessed, the therapist uses gait speed, along with balance, strength, and functional mobility tests, to design a tailored plan of care. This may include exercises to improve strength, coordination, and endurance, as well as home safety recommendations.

By routinely measuring gait speed in the home setting, physical therapists not only monitor progress, but also proactively prevent falls—helping senior adults maintain independence and confidence in both home and community environments.