When you visit your doctor for a checkup, you’re probably familiar with the usual vital signs: temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and oxygen level. But there’s one more important measure doctors are starting to pay close attention to—your walking speed.
That’s right—walking, or more specifically, gait speed, is being called the sixth vital sign. It might seem simple, but how fast you walk can actually reveal a lot about your health.
Just like your heart rate or blood pressure, your gait speed gives your doctor insight into how your body is functioning. A slower walking speed can be an early warning sign of:
Tracking your walking speed over time can help your care team spot changes in your health before bigger problems arise.
The good news? Gait speed is easy to measure, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. Your doctor might simply time how long it takes you to walk a short distance. If your speed is slower than expected, it could prompt a closer look at things like strength, balance, or memory.
Even better? You can always go for walks as a way to take your health into your own hands. Walking regularly can improve many of the stats your doctors are looking for. Walking has been shown to improve your cardiovascular health, bone and joint strength, mobility and balance, cognitive function, mental health, and overall wellbeing.
So next time your doctor asks you to take a walk down the hallway, know that it’s more than just a stroll—it’s a powerful health check.
