Direct patient to:
Rise from sitting position, Walk 10 feet, Turn around, Return to the chair, and sit down.
Interpretation:
If the patient takes <20 seconds to complete the test, he/she is adequate for independent transfers and mobility.
If the patient requires >30 seconds to complete the test, it suggests a higher dependence and risk of falls.
Any unsafe movements, gait or balance problems with the TUG test suggest an increased risk of falling. If the test is abnormal, referral to physical therapy for complete assessment and treatment is a good idea. Also consider other factors that may increase the risk of falls, such as medications.
The Timed Up and Go Test is a good, not perfect test
The following study questioned the utility of the Timed Up and Go Test.
The conclusion said, “The Timed Up and Go test has limited ability to predict falls in community-dwelling elderly and should not be used in isolation to identify individuals at high risk of falls in this setting” BMC Geriatrics. 2014;14:14.
The same journal a year later publishes another article pointing to the utility of the Timed Up and Go Test, saying: “TUG times were significantly and independently associated with future falls. The ability of TUG to predict future falls was limited but with high specificity and negative predictive value. TUG may be most useful in ruling in those with a high risk of falling rather than as a primary measure in the ascertainment of risk.” BMC Geriatrics. 2015;15:38.
References / Further Reading
BMC Geriatrics. 2014;14:14. Is the Timed Up and Go test a useful predictor of risk of falls in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BMC Geriatrics. 2015;15:38.Does the timed up and go test predict future falls among British community-dwelling older people? Prospective cohort study nested within a randomized controlled trial.