Gait speed is one of your vital signs, so make sure yours is OK

Walking speed and gait analysis can provide valuable insights into a person’s health and well-being. Gait abnormalities can indicate various issues, including illness, injury, or genetics. Studies have shown that a slow gait can be a sign of cardiovascular disease, cancer, or premature mortality. Gait analysis can also help assess gross motor delays in children, fall risks in older adults, and the risk of dementia when combined with cognitive decline. Furthermore, analyzing gait can aid in sports and fitness by predicting injury likelihood and identifying mechanical issues. Monitoring gait through digital platforms and AI technology is becoming more common, allowing healthcare professionals to track patients’ progress and detect potential issues. Although gait analysis can be helpful for athletic performance and injury prevention, it may require out-of-pocket expenses. Nevertheless, experts believe that routine gait analysis and increased attention to gait by healthcare professionals would be beneficial for overall mobility and quality of life.