Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeHow to Prepare for the TUG TestHow it’s DoneResults
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Purpose
How to Prepare for the TUG Test
How it’s Done
Results
The Timed Up and Go test, also known as the TUG test, is a simple evaluative test used to measure yourfunctional mobility. The TUG test measures how long it takes you to stand up, walk a distance of 10 feet, turn, walk back, and sit down again.
This article looks at the TUG test, its purpose, and how results are interpreted.
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Purpose of the TUG Test
The TUG test can be included as part of a more comprehensive Get Up and Go (GUG) test. A GUG test typically involves additional tasks like standing with your eyes closed or sitting in a chair without using the armrests.
There are many benefits to the TUG test. Among them:
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1:32Click Play to Learn About the TUG Test
1:32
Click Play to Learn About the TUG Test
The TUG test requires only a few pieces of equipment:
To set up the test, the therapist will place a chair in an open space and measure 3 meters (9.8 feet) from the front edge of the seat. A small piece of tape or chalk is used to mark the distance on the floor.
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How to Perform the TUG Test
To start the TUG test, you will sit in the chair with your arms resting comfortably on your lap or at your sides (not on the armrests). You should be seated properly with your hips positioned all the way to the back of the seat.
The test begins when the therapist says “Go” and starts the stopwatch. You would then be timed as you rise from the chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down.
While an assistive device is permitted, no other form of physical assistance should be used. If your balance is impaired, someone should be at your side to prevent you from falling, but they should not hold you up.
There is no time limit to the TUG test. Older adults who are otherwise healthy can usually complete the task in 10 seconds or less. Very frail older adults may take two minutes or more.
You can perform the TUG test at home if your healthcare provider or physical therapist gives permission. But you should never do it on your own if you have significant mobility or balance issues.
Interpreting the Results
Mobility is assessed based on time to complete the test:
A 2014 review of studies inBMC Geriatricsconcluded thata TUG score of 13.5 seconds or longer was predictive of falling risk. By contrast, a TUG score of less than 13.5 seconds suggests better functional performance.
With that being said, the cut-off of 13.5 seconds should not be the sole determinant of a fall risk. According to the review, while a TUG score of 13.5 seconds or more couldrule inthe risk of a fall, a score of under 13.5 seconds could notrule outthe risk.
Other factors can inadvertently skew the results, including how you were feeling on the day of the test or whether you have fluctuations in yourblood pressure,blood sugar, or energy levels. Even medication side effects can contribute to a periodic loss of balance, energy, or strength.
To this end, the TUG test only provides your healthcare provider or therapist with a general idea of your mobility status. If your score is near or over the cut-off threshold, other tests may be used to better characterize your mobility, including:
On its own, the TUG test may have the most value when used on an ongoing basis to assess any improvement or deterioration in your mobility.
Summary
The Timed Up and Go test or TUG test is used to help evaluate your mobility. It is a simple test that measures how quickly you can stand up, walk 10 feet, turn around, walk back, and sit down. It is often done to assess mobility in older adults or predict their risk of falls.
Many healthy adults less than 80 years old can complete the TUG test in 10 seconds or less.People who complete the test in 13.5 seconds or longer may be at greater risk of falls. The TUG test can also be used on an ongoing basis to help a physical therapist understand how well your therapy is working.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zasadzka E, Borowicz AM, Roszak M, Pawlaczyk M.Assessment of the risk of falling with the use of timed up and go test in the elderly with lower extremity osteoarthritis.Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1289–1298. doi:10.2147/CIA.S86001Barry E, Galvin R, Keogh C, Horgan F, Fahey T.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. 2014;14(1). doi:10.1186/1471-2318-14-14.Svinøy OE, Hilde G, Bergland A, Strand BH.Timed Up and Go: Reference Values for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with and without Arthritis and Non-Communicable Diseases: The Tromsø Study. Clin Interv Aging. 2021 Feb 23;16:335-343. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S294512Additional ReadingLusardi MM, Fritz S, Middleton A, et al.Determining risk of falls in community dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis using posttest probability.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2017;40(1):1-36. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000099
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zasadzka E, Borowicz AM, Roszak M, Pawlaczyk M.Assessment of the risk of falling with the use of timed up and go test in the elderly with lower extremity osteoarthritis.Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1289–1298. doi:10.2147/CIA.S86001Barry E, Galvin R, Keogh C, Horgan F, Fahey T.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. 2014;14(1). doi:10.1186/1471-2318-14-14.Svinøy OE, Hilde G, Bergland A, Strand BH.Timed Up and Go: Reference Values for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with and without Arthritis and Non-Communicable Diseases: The Tromsø Study. Clin Interv Aging. 2021 Feb 23;16:335-343. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S294512Additional ReadingLusardi MM, Fritz S, Middleton A, et al.Determining risk of falls in community dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis using posttest probability.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2017;40(1):1-36. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000099
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Zasadzka E, Borowicz AM, Roszak M, Pawlaczyk M.Assessment of the risk of falling with the use of timed up and go test in the elderly with lower extremity osteoarthritis.Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1289–1298. doi:10.2147/CIA.S86001Barry E, Galvin R, Keogh C, Horgan F, Fahey T.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. 2014;14(1). doi:10.1186/1471-2318-14-14.Svinøy OE, Hilde G, Bergland A, Strand BH.Timed Up and Go: Reference Values for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with and without Arthritis and Non-Communicable Diseases: The Tromsø Study. Clin Interv Aging. 2021 Feb 23;16:335-343. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S294512
Zasadzka E, Borowicz AM, Roszak M, Pawlaczyk M.Assessment of the risk of falling with the use of timed up and go test in the elderly with lower extremity osteoarthritis.Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1289–1298. doi:10.2147/CIA.S86001
Barry E, Galvin R, Keogh C, Horgan F, Fahey T.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. 2014;14(1). doi:10.1186/1471-2318-14-14.
Svinøy OE, Hilde G, Bergland A, Strand BH.Timed Up and Go: Reference Values for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with and without Arthritis and Non-Communicable Diseases: The Tromsø Study. Clin Interv Aging. 2021 Feb 23;16:335-343. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S294512
Lusardi MM, Fritz S, Middleton A, et al.Determining risk of falls in community dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis using posttest probability.J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2017;40(1):1-36. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000099
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