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Assess fall risk and functional mobility in elderly patients using the Timed Up and Go test. Quick, reliable assessment tool for evaluating balance, gait, and fall risk in older adults.
Time from "Go" until patient is seated again. Patient may use regular walking aid if needed.
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a simple, quick, and widely used clinical performance-based measure of functional mobility, balance, and fall risk in older adults. It requires no special equipment and can be performed in any clinical setting.
Normal for healthy, independent older adults. Low fall risk. No restrictions on community mobility.
Typical for elderly or individuals with disability. Generally independent. May benefit from fall prevention strategies.
Indicates significant mobility impairment. Patient likely requires assistive device. Physical therapy evaluation recommended.
Severe mobility limitation. High fall risk. Patient likely dependent for many ADLs. Requires comprehensive assessment and intervention.
For healthy, independent older adults (65-85 years), a normal TUG time is less than 10 seconds. Times between 10-20 seconds are still considered acceptable for many elderly individuals but indicate some mobility limitation. Times greater than 20 seconds suggest significant impairment requiring intervention.
Yes, patients should use their customary walking aid if they normally use one. This provides a more accurate assessment of their functional mobility in daily life. Be sure to document that an assistive device was used when recording results, as this provides important clinical context.
Studies show that TUG times greater than 13.5 seconds predict increased fall risk. Times greater than 20 seconds indicate high fall risk requiring intervention. The test assesses multiple fall risk factors including balance, strength, gait, and functional mobility in one quick measure.
The practice trial should not be timed and is not included in the assessment. It allows the patient to become familiar with the task and ensures they understand the instructions. Only the actual test trial (usually the second attempt) should be timed and recorded.
If a patient cannot complete the test due to severe mobility impairment, this itself is clinically significant and indicates high fall risk and functional dependence. Document inability to complete the test and consider alternative assessments or immediate referral for physical therapy and mobility evaluation.
For low-risk patients, annual TUG testing is reasonable. For patients with mobility concerns or those at risk for decline, testing every 3-6 months or after changes in health status is appropriate. More frequent testing (monthly) may be useful during rehabilitation to monitor progress.
Interventions that can improve TUG times include: strength training (especially lower extremity), balance exercises, gait training, appropriate use of assistive devices, physical therapy, treatment of underlying conditions affecting mobility, and fall prevention programs. Even modest improvements in TUG time can significantly reduce fall risk.
TUG was developed for older adults but has been validated in various populations including: Parkinson's disease, stroke survivors, hip fracture patients, and individuals with arthritis. Normative values differ by age and condition. For younger adults without disability, times should typically be under 10 seconds.