Recently walking speed has been termed the “Sixth Vital
Sign” as it appears to be a strong indicator of health status, a predictor of
future events, and is used to help determine outcomes such as; functional
status, discharge location and the need for rehabilitation.
A longitudinal study of 11 years found that people with a
slower walking speed in middle age were one and a half times more likely to
develop dementia compared to people with faster walking speed. Other research supports walking speed as a predictor
of the post hospital discharge location 78% percent of the time.
In 2009 walking speed was chosen by a panel of experts as
the standardized assessment to measure locomotion for the Motor Function Domain
category of the NIH Toolbox. The reason for this included the following: walking
speed is safe, requires no special equipment, can be administered in less than
2 minutes, is easy to calculate, is highly reliable and has published norms.
While walking speed varies by age, gender and anthropometrics,
the range for normal walking speed is 1.2-1.4 meters/second (m/s) or 2.64-3.08
mph.. Small changes in walking speed can greatly affect the functional status
patients. In a 2006 study using a diverse group of older participants with
varying diagnosis, only 0.05 m/s (0.11 mph) was calculated as the needed change
for a meaningful improvement in walking speed. For patients without normal
walking speed an improvement of at least 0.1 m/s or 0.2 mph has been shown to
be a predictor of future well-being, while a decrease in the same amount is
linked with poorer health status, more disability, longer hospital stays, and
increased medial costs.
Walking is a complex functional activity with many variables
that contribute to and influence walking speed. Research has demonstrated that
very small improvements in walking speed are linked to function, independence
and health status. Understanding, evaluating and treating the variables that
affect your patient’s walking speed can mean the difference between
independence and morbidity.
The Restoring Efficient Balance and Gait through
Targeted Evaluation and Treatment Strategies is unique as it provides
the PT with numerous functional approaches to determine exactly where a gait
deficit occurs, why it is happening and whether the dysfunction a structural or
neuromuscular dysfunction. From this
information appropriate treatment strategies that are quick and effective can
be immediately incorporated into any practice settings with lasting results.
What makes Signature Allied Strategies class different than
other Gait classes is the focus on the foot and ankle. The foot provides the
primary generator of propulsive force in walking and its efficient function is
vital to gait and improvements in walking speed. Additionally the foot is the
base of support in walking and deficits in its function can lead to falling,
neuropathy, slower walking speed, and painful conditions such as bunions and
hammertoes.
To see improvements in gait which are the result of
treatment performed only to the foot click the following link: http://www.sigproed.com/res_before_after.html
To view a list of upcoming classes including Restoring
Efficient Balance and Gait click on: http://www.sigproed.com/live_seminars.html
To host a class or post a question or comment: http://www.sigproed.com/Contacts.html
