What is the term for the act of walking?

The term "ambulation" specifically refers to the act of walking or moving from one place to another. It is a fundamental aspect of mobility and is important in the context of patient care, as maintaining or improving ambulation is vital for residents’ physical health and quality of life. In a healthcare setting, promoting ambulation can help prevent complications such as muscle atrophy, pressure ulcers, and pneumonia, which can occur when individuals are less mobile.

The other terms provided relate to different health issues. Incontinence refers to the inability to control urination or defecation, dysuria pertains to painful or difficult urination, and hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. These conditions are not related to the act of walking and illustrate the specific terminology used in healthcare to describe various bodily functions and issues. Understanding the correct terminology is essential for effective communication and patient care in a clinical environment.