Are Physical Therapists Defining a 6th Vital Sign?

The topic of walking speed isn't a new concept for any loyal readers.  Slower speed of walking is associated with falls and death.  In mid 2009 Stacy Fritz, PT and Michelle Lusardi, PT wrote a white paper discussing the value of measuring walking speed as a 6th vital sign.

If you have thought about implementing measuring walking speed as part of your evaluation and assessment process, but are not fully committed yet, you will have the opportunity to hear more about this topic during the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting.

On February 20th from 1 - 4:45 pm a session titled, "Assessing Walking Speed in Everyday Clinical Practice:  A 'Vital Sign' for Function," will be presented by Kevin Chui, PT, Pamela Duncan, PT, Stacy Fritz, PT, Ellen Hillegass, PT, Michelle Lusardi, PT, Jama Purser, PT, Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, and Kay Wing, PT.

photo by Danny Perez via Flickr

~Selena