Your walking speed may predict your health: VA tests new 'vital sign'

NCT ID NCT07513805

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study will check if routinely measuring walking speed in older veterans (age 60+) can act like a vital sign to spot health problems early. Over 10,000 veterans will take part across VA clinics. Some clinics will use the walking speed results to guide care, while others will measure it but not share it. The goal is to see if this simple test can reduce falls, emergency visits, and hospital stays.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could make walking speed a standard check in clinics to catch health risks early and prevent falls or hospital stays.
What could go wrong: This is an observational implementation study, not a treatment trial. It may not prove that measuring walking speed directly improves health outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Mobility Limitation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AGING FALL RISK MOBILITY LIMITATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO

Aurora, Colorado, 80045-7211, United States

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