Relationships between Elderly Inpatients’ Maximum Gait Speed and Gait Independence

[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.