How to use this calculator
- Enter sex and height.
- Optionally walk a measured distance and count your steps.
- See step length compared with the expected value.
How it works
Expected step length is about 41% of height. A measured step length well below expected (under 75 to 90%) suggests a shortened gait, common after stroke, in Parkinson's disease, with hip or knee pain, or with fear of falling.
Reading your result
| 90% of expected or more | Normal |
|---|---|
| 75 to 89% | Shortened |
| Under 75% | Markedly shortened |
Physiotherapy treatment
Gait assessment is the core of physiotherapy for gait abnormality. After an assessment, your physiotherapist sets a plan built around gait drills and walking practice, progressed as your results improve. Hands-on treatment, pain relief and education are added where they help.
Exercises this calculator may recommend
Your result decides which of these appear, and at what dose.
Medical note
Calculators give estimates for general guidance and do not diagnose any condition. Stop and seek medical help for chest pain, fainting, sudden weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe or rapidly worsening pain. Always follow your surgeon's or doctor's instructions over any calculator.