Physical function
Gait speed
A simple measure of mobility and integrated physical function.
What it measures
Walking speed over a standardized distance.
Why it matters
Widely used in geriatric assessment and associated with disability and mortality risk.
How to interpret it
Standardize distance, pace instructions and assistive-device use.
Important limitations
Influenced by musculoskeletal, neurological and environmental factors.
Evidence status
Established risk / function marker
Strong functional aging marker with prognostic evidence.
Research & guidance
Original papers, validation studies, reviews and clinical guidance connected to this measurement.
clinical/public-health guidance
Integrated care for older people (ICOPE): implementation and healthy ageing framework
World Health Organization · 2026
WHO uses gait speed and physical performance in assessment of locomotor capacity and healthy ageing.
consensus statement
Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis
Age and Ageing · 2019
Poor physical performance, including gait-speed assessment, contributes to severity assessment in sarcopenia.
systematic review / meta-analysis
Objectively measured physical capability levels and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis
BMJ · 2010
Slower walking speed was associated with higher mortality in older populations.
For education and evidence exploration, not diagnosis or individualized medical advice.