TUG test makes fall prevention among the elderly simple and effective. Here’s what it is

Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is useful to assess the risk of falls in an older adult

Method
1. Patients wear their regular footwear and can use a walking aid, if needed.
2. The patient starts in a seated position
3. The patient stands up upon therapist’s command: walks 3 meters,… pic.twitter.com/4ghff8gsBh

— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) January 10, 2024

TUG test

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is an essential, straightforward tool widely used in geriatric care to assess an older adult’s risk of falling.

The rising concern for fall risk among the elderly makes the TUG test an indispensable part of regular health assessments in various populations, including those suffering from chronic conditions.

The TUG test method, as explained by Dr Sudhir Kumar who cited a study, involves a series of steps aimed at evaluating the time taken by a patient to complete a specific set of physical movements.

These steps are:

Preparation: Patients are required to wear their regular footwear and can use any walking aid, if necessary. This step ensures that the test conditions closely mimic the patient’s everyday environment, providing realistic results.

Starting position: The test begins with the patient in a seated position, simulating a common daily activity of rising from a chair.

Execution: Upon the therapist’s command, the patient stands up, walks a distance of 3 m, turns around, walks back to the chair, and then sits down. This sequence tests various aspects of mobility, including the ability to stand, walk, and turn.

Timing: The therapist times the patient from the moment they stand up to the point when they are seated again. The clock stops the moment the patient sits down, marking the end of the test.

Documentation: It is crucial to document any assistive device used by the patient during the test, as this can impact the interpretation of the results.

Note: A practice trial is recommended before the actual timed trial to ensure the patient understands the test and to minimise variability in the results.

Also Read: Have elders at home? Read these tips to prevent falls in older adults

Test results

The TUG test results are interpreted using specific cut-off times for different populations. These times are indicative of an increased risk of falls:

Community dwelling adults: A time above 13.5 seconds is indicative of a higher fall risk.

Older stroke patients: A completion time exceeding 14 seconds suggests an elevated risk.

Frail elderly: For this group, a time greater than 32.6 seconds indicates a significant risk of falling.

Parkinson’s disease patients: A time above 11.5 seconds is concerning.

Hip Osteoarthritis Patients: A threshold of 10 seconds is used to indicate an increased risk.

Individuals with Vestibular Disorders: A completion time of more than 11.1 seconds suggests a higher risk of falls.

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