Gait Speed as a Measure in Geriatric Assessment in Clinical Settings: A Systematic Review

Gait speed is a quick, inexpensive, reliable measure of functional capacity with well-documented predictive value for major health-related outcomes. Numerous epidemiological studies have documented gait speed in healthy, community-dwelling older people. The purpose of this study is to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of gait speed in a specific group with mobility limitations-geriatric patients in clinical settings.

Relevant databases were searched systematically for original research articles published in February 2011 measuring gait speed in persons aged 70 or older in hospital inpatient or outpatients settings. Meta-analysis determined gait speed data for each setting adjusting for covariates.