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Implementation of Routine Walking Speed Measurements in Older Veterans
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Walking speed is a powerful predictor of mortality and adverse health consequences (e.g. fall or hospitalization) in older adults. Knowledge of individuals' walking speed can provide unique insight into current physical function and need for healthcare services. Furthermore, walking speed is a modifiable risk factor such that early recognition of physical function decline allows for appropriate and timely intervention prior to the occurrence of adverse health events. Therefore, this proposal seeks to implement routine measures of walking speed into VHA primary care as a 'vital sign' to routinely monitor Veteran physical function and help guide provider referrals.
Official title: Walking Speed as a Vital Sign: Enhancing Function in Older Veterans
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
10500
Start Date
2027-04-01
Completion Date
2030-06-30
Last Updated
2026-04-07
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Usual Care
During the Usual Care phase, participating clinics will continue with usual care with the addition that walking speed will be measured and recorded. Veterans and providers will be blinded to walking speed measurement so as to not influence care.
FASTER
During the FASTER phase, walking speed will be measured during clinic visits, recorded in the medical record, and used by providers to guide care. An Action Toolkit will be provided with resources for providers to support informed care decisions based on Veterans' walking speeds.
Locations (1)
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO
Aurora, Colorado, United States