Cardiac Rehabilitation And Quality Of Life Scores

Gait Speed Index (m/s) Calculator

Clinical calculation support · Verify results before clinical use

Calculate walking speed

Enter the measured walking distance and the time taken. Use a consistent, documented walking protocol when comparing results over time.

m/sResult unit

About gait speed

Gait speed is the distance walked divided by the time required, expressed in meters per second (m/s). Usual-pace gait speed is a practical measure of physical performance and has been associated with survival and other outcomes in older adults.

How to interpret the result

Measured speed	Practical interpretation
<0.8 m/s	Slower gait; consider further functional and clinical assessment as appropriate.
0.8–1.0 m/s	Interpret in context; thresholds depend on population and intended outcome.
>1.0 m/s	Generally faster performance in many older-adult cohorts; does not exclude illness or risk.

Measurement tips

Document the walking distance, pace instructions, use of walking aids, and whether acceleration or deceleration zones were included.
For serial assessment, use the same course length and protocol whenever possible.
Interpret gait speed alongside symptoms, age, comorbidities, and other functional measures rather than as a stand-alone diagnosis.

Evidence and references

Studenski S, Perera S, Patel K, et al. Gait speed and survival in older adults. JAMA. 2011;305(1):50–58. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2010.1923; PMID: 21205966.

Abellan van Kan G, Rolland Y, Andrieu S, et al. Gait speed at usual pace as a predictor of adverse outcomes in community-dwelling older people: an International Academy on Nutrition and Aging (IANA) Task Force. J Nutr Health Aging. 2009;13(10):881–889. Full text: PubMed Central.

Evidence note The pooled analysis included community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older and found a continuous association between gait speed and survival. It did not establish the three bands used here as universal individual mortality-risk categories.

Clinical disclaimer: This calculator reports walking speed only. The interpretive bands are pragmatic reference points, not a validated individual mortality prediction model or a substitute for a comprehensive assessment. Thresholds vary by population, protocol, and clinical purpose. Confirm measurements and apply clinical judgment.