Relationships between elderly inpatients’ maximum gait speed and gait independence

Abstract

[Purpose] To examine the relationship between the maximum gait speed and gait independence. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 262 elderly inpatients aged 65 or over were divided into 2 groups (independent/ non-independent) based on the ability to walk inside the hospital independently to compare the maximum gait speed. Subsequently, they were classified into 6 sub-groups based on the gait speed to calculate the gait independence rate in each group. Furthermore, the optimal cutoff maximum gait speed to predict gait independence was determined. [Results] The maximum gait speed was significantly higher in the independent group. The gait independence rate was reduced among those showing lower maximum gait speeds. The optimal cutoff value to predict gait independence was 1.038 m/sec. Using this, it was possible to accurately predict such independence. [Conclusion] The maximum gait speed may be a predictor of gait independence. When the speed is lower than a certain level, it may be more difficult to achieve it.