WHAT IS GAIT SPEED TEST?
The gait speed test is a quick and reliable predictor and outcome measurement of multiple aspects of physical function.
It has been shown to predict adverse outcomes related to sarcopenia, including disability, cognitive impairment, falls and mortality.1
HOW IT WORKS
The gait speed test measures the time required to walk 4 metres at a normal walking pace. A speed of ≤0.8 m/s or taking more than 5 seconds to walk 4 metres is an indicator of frailty.2
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SCREEN
INFOGRAPHIC - MUSCLE MATTERS: FINDING AND DIAGNOSING SARCOPENIA
This infographic displays the 4 steps of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWDSOP2) clinical algorithm used to help find and diagnose cases of sarcopenia.
VIDEO - MUSCLE MATTERS: PREVENTING MUSCLE LOSS
In this video series, Adrian Slee, PhD, and Sanjay Suman, MD, FRCP, explain the importance of preventing muscle loss in older adults, and how specialised nutrition can impact clinical outcomes.
References:
1. Cruz Jentoft A. et al. Age ageing. 2019;48(48(1):16-31. 2. BGS, 2014: Recognising frailty. Available online: https://www.bgs.org.uk/resources/recognising-frailty Last accessed October 2023.
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