velocity of 0.1 .03 m/s compared to community walkers with a gait velocity of 0.8 +

0.18 m/s.

Table 2-2. Six ambulation categories


Ambulation level
Physiological walker
Limited household walker

Unlimited household
 walker

Most-limited community
 walker


Least-limited community
 walker
Community walker


Ambulation ability
Walks only for exercise or in therapy
Requires assist for some walking activities, does walk
during some home activities
Able to walk for all household activities, has difficulty with
stairs and uneven terrain, not able to enter and leave the
house independently
Able to enter and leave their home independently, is able to
ascend and descend curbs, able to manage stairs but with
assistance, independent in at least one community activity,
but needs assistance with others
Independent in stairs, all moderate community activities,
and in local stores and uncrowded shopping centers
Independent in all home and community activities, can walk
with crowds and on uneven terrain, and able to be
independent in shopping centers


 The classification system was condensed to depict three distinct gait velocity based

classifications (see Table 2-3). This was necessary due to the similarities in gait speed

between the household walkers. A walking speed of less than 0.4 m/s was determined

equivalent to severe gait impairments and the household ambulation category. Limited

community ambulation equals moderate gait impairments and speeds between 0.4 m/s

and 0.8 m/s. Those in the community ambulation category walk over 0.8 m/s and are

considered to have mild or limited post-stroke gait impairment. The normal healthy older

population has been documented to walk at a gait velocity of 1.33 m/s [165].

Table 2-3. Gait Speed Classification
Speed, m/s Impairment Ambulation Ability
< 0.4 Severe Household ambulation
0.4-0.8 Moderate Limited Community Ambulation
> 0.8 Mild Community Ambulation
1.33 None Normal, Healthy Elderly Population