Changes in gait velocity, increased number of falls, and the development of fear of

falling are three important aspects of mobility. All are common issues for the community

dwelling elderly population. Disability may occur due to any or all of these mobility

changes.

Gait Velocity

 Mobility and mobility disability are commonly demonstrated by changes in gait

velocities. Gait velocities often decrease with age and have been associated with severity

of walking difficulties [33]. Cress et al. found that walking speed was the strongest

indicator of self-perceived physical functioning [34]. Gait velocity has therefore become

a frequently measured outcome and goal of rehabilitation.

Gait velocity as an outcome measure

 Numerous elderly specific research studies have utilized gait velocity as a primary

outcome measure to assess mobility impairment [35]. Velocity has been deemed useful in

rehabilitation medicine and research as it correlates well to many gait parameters [36]. It

has been related to discharge placement following hospitalization in the elderly

population [37, 38].

 Gait speed is an important measure of stroke recovery as it is simple to measure

and has been demonstrated as reliable and sensitive to the stage of recovery post stroke

[9, 35, 39]. Gait speed has been associated with discrimination of stroke effects and is

related to rehabilitation prognosis [40]. Studenski and colleagues demonstrated gait speed

measures of less than 0.6 meters/second (m/s) as a predictor of future health care

utilization and declines in health status [41]. In their study, 69% of the elderly with a

walking velocity of less than 0.6 m/s developed new personal care difficulty as compared

to 12% of those walking faster than 1.0 m/s.