This project builds off of our earlier TechSAge research where we investigated options for measuring walking speed, which can be used as a proxy for physical function and often serves as an indicator of fall risk and health related decline. We developed tools to help us test if and how health and rehabilitation professionals would measure walking speed in their everyday work. These tools included: an iPhone app (GaitRate), a permanent wall-mount system, and a portable system, all designed for measuring walking speed over a short-distance of around 3 to 5 meters. We tested these tools with various healthcare professionals and learned that the wall-mount device was preferred for clinic and office settings, while an app might better serve visiting physical therapists and nurses in the home setting.

The GaitRate Wall-Mount System was recently patented (US11624755B2) and has been installed in a few clinic settings to further understand what challenges arise with everyday use of the device and staff recommendations to promote successful integration (e.g. staff training, reducing interruptions in measurements as to not disrupt workflow). The solution consists of a bi-directional system with a screen and control button on either end of a 6-meter course. Two sensor boxes are located on either end of the 4-meter timed zone to provide the speed measurement. The user instructs the subject to walk to the other control button at their normal walking speed, then presses the control button on one end and tells them to go. Sensors activate on the button press and trigger as the subject walks past. The system then ends the measurement and returns the results on both screens, allowing the user to write down the speed result in meters per second. For more information: www.gaitspeed.org