1. What is the Gait Speed 10 Meter Walk Test?

The Gait Speed 10 Meter Walk Test is a clinical assessment tool used to measure walking speed over a 10-meter distance. It provides valuable information about mobility, functional status, and overall health in various populations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gait speed formula:

Where:

• \( 10 \) — Distance in meters
• \( Time \) — Time taken to walk 10 meters in seconds

Explanation: The formula calculates speed by dividing the fixed distance of 10 meters by the time taken to complete the walk, providing gait speed in meters per second (m/s).

3. Importance of Gait Speed Measurement

Details: Gait speed is a strong predictor of functional mobility, fall risk, and overall health status. It is widely used in geriatric assessment, neurological rehabilitation, and general fitness evaluation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the time taken to walk 10 meters in seconds. Ensure accurate timing for reliable results. Time must be greater than 0 seconds.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal gait speed for adults?
A: Normal gait speed varies by age, but generally 1.2-1.4 m/s for healthy adults. Speeds below 1.0 m/s may indicate mobility impairment.

Q2: How is the 10-meter walk test administered?
A: Mark a 10-meter course with additional acceleration and deceleration zones. Time only the middle 10 meters to eliminate acceleration/deceleration effects.

Q3: What factors affect gait speed?
A: Age, physical condition, neurological status, musculoskeletal health, footwear, and environmental factors can all influence gait speed.

Q4: When should gait speed be assessed?
A: Useful for pre-operative assessment, geriatric evaluation, neurological disorders, rehabilitation progress monitoring, and general fitness assessment.

Q5: Are there clinical cut-off values for gait speed?
A: Yes, gait speed below 0.8 m/s is often associated with increased fall risk and mobility limitations in older adults.