Get-Up-and-Go Test Calculator
Get-Up-and-Go Test Calculator
Assess mobility, balance, and fall risk with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test
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Test Instructions
- Have the patient sit in a standard armchair
- Place a marker 3 meters from the chair
- Click "Start" when the patient begins to stand up
- The patient should walk to the marker, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down
- Click "Stop" when the patient is fully seated again
What is the Get-Up-and-Go Test?
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, also known as the Get-Up-and-Go Test, is a simple clinical tool used to assess a person's mobility, balance, and fall risk. It measures the time it takes for an individual to rise from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down again.
Clinical Applications
This test is widely used in various clinical settings, including:
- Geriatric assessment
- Rehabilitation programs
- Fall risk screening
- Parkinson's disease evaluation
- Post-stroke recovery monitoring
- Pre/post-operative functional assessment
How to Perform the Test
To properly administer the Get-Up-and-Go Test:
- Have the patient sit in a standard armchair (seat height approximately 46 cm, arm height 65 cm)
- Place a marker or line on the floor 3 meters from the chair
- Instruct the patient to rise from the chair (using the armrests if needed)
- Walk at their normal pace to the line
- Turn around
- Return to the chair
- Sit down again
- Start timing when you say "go" and stop when the patient is seated again
Interpreting the Results
The time taken to complete the test is interpreted as follows:
| Time (seconds) | Interpretation | Fall Risk |
|---|---|---|
| < 10 seconds | Normal mobility | Low risk |
| 10-19 seconds | Good mobility, independent | Some risk |
| 20-29 seconds | Variable mobility, may require assistance | Moderate risk |
| ≥ 30 seconds | Impaired mobility, dependent | High risk |
Age-Specific Reference Values
Normal TUG test times vary by age. The following are general reference values:
- 60-69 years: 8.1 seconds (7.1-9.0)
- 70-79 years: 9.2 seconds (8.2-10.2)
- 80-89 years: 11.3 seconds (10.0-12.7)
- 90-99 years: 12.7 seconds (11.5-14.0)
Clinical Significance
The Get-Up-and-Go Test provides valuable information about:
- Functional mobility: The ability to move independently and safely
- Dynamic balance: Maintaining stability while moving
- Fall risk assessment: Identifying individuals at risk of falling
- Treatment effectiveness: Monitoring progress in rehabilitation
Limitations
While the Get-Up-and-Go Test is valuable, it has some limitations:
- It does not identify specific impairments causing mobility problems
- Environmental factors may affect performance
- It may not be sensitive to subtle changes in high-functioning individuals
- Results can be affected by the patient's understanding of instructions
References
- Podsiadlo D, Richardson S. The timed "Up & Go": a test of basic functional mobility for frail elderly persons. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1991;39(2):142-148.
- Shumway-Cook A, Brauer S, Woollacott M. Predicting the probability for falls in community-dwelling older s using the Timed Up & Go Test. Phys Ther. 2000;80(9):896-903.
- Bohannon RW. Reference values for the timed up and go test: a descriptive meta-analysis. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2006;29(2):64-68.
- 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 s: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatr. 2014;14:14.