Gait Speed Test (Frailty)
Measures walking speed over 4-5 metres. A powerful predictor of disability, hospitalisation, and mortality in older adults.
Score interpretation
→ High risk of frailty, falls and hospitalisation: comprehensive geriatric assessment; strength and balance programme; falls risk assessment; medication review; occupational therapy home visit
→ Physiotherapy assessment; falls risk assessment; review medications affecting balance; rescreen if function changes
→ Good functional status; encourage continued activity; rescreen in 12 months
Interpretation bands for the Gait Speed. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.