than 65 and independently mobile. Participants were all admitted to inpatient or

outpatient care, but not hospitalized due to a specific diagnosis. All participants had

nonsurgical hospitalizations, were medically stable, and were appropriate for

rehabilitation. Participants with differing diagnoses and a range of functional abilities

were eligible for inclusion, therefore, those with acute infectious illnesses, strokes, acute

relapses of chronic neurological disease (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis), falls,

and cardiovascular pathologies were included. Gait speed, ADLs, and mental status were

assessed. Gait speed ranged from 0.05 m/s to greater than 0.55 m/s and was placed into

one of six categories.

 The authors concluded that an association between decreased gait speed and ADL

ability levels was evident. Those with a gait speed of less than 0.25 m/s were more likely

dependent in one or more ADL; only 36% of those with gait speed less than 0.25 m/s

were considered independent in all ADL functioning. In contrast, 72.1% of those with

gait speed between 0.35 m/s and 0.55 m/s were independent in all ADLs.

 Studenski et al. completed a prospective cohort study to determine whether gait

speed could be used as a "clinical vital sign" in a community dwelling elderly population

[41]. Outcome measures included demographics, health and functional status, and

physical performance. Those with a gait speed of less than 0.6 m/s were categorized as

slow walkers and demonstrated a 69% incidence of new personal care difficulty.

Comparatively, 28% of those with a gait speed of 0.6 to 1.0 m/s and 12% with gait speed

greater than 1.0 m/s demonstrated new care needs. The researchers concluded that a

slowing of gait speed has negative effects on overall mobility and the ability to complete

ADLs and IADLs.