Timed-Up-And-Go (TUG) Test

1, 2

1. Equipment: arm chair, tape measure, tape, stop watch.

2. Begin the test with the subject sitting correctly in a chair with arms, the subjects
back should resting on the back of the chair. The chair should be stableand positioned
such that it will not move when the subject moves from sitting to standing.
3. Place a piece of tape or other marker on the oor 3 meters away from the chair so
that it is easily seen by the subject.
4. Instructions : On the word GO you will stand up, walk to the line on the oor, turn
around and walk back to the chair and sit down. Walk at your regular pace.
5. Start timing on the word GO and stop timing when the subject is seated again
correctly in the chair with their back resting on the back of the chair.
6. The subject wears their regular footwear, may use any gait aid that they normally
use during ambulation, but may not be assisted by another person. There is no time
limit. They may stop and rest (but not sit down) if they need to.
7. Normal healthy elderly usually complete the task in ten seconds or less. Very
frail or weak elderly with poor mobility may take 2 minutes or more.
8. The subject should be given a practice trial that is not timed before testing.
9. Results correlate with gait speed, balance, functional level,the ability to go out, and
can follow change over time.
10. Interpretation

< 10 seconds = normal

< 20 seconds = good mobility, can go out alone, mobile
without a gait aid.
< 30 seconds = problems, cannot go outside alone,
requires a gait aid.
A score of more than or equal to fourteen seconds has been shown
to indicate high risk of falls.

Sponsored by: West Central Regional Trauma Advisory Council in Partnership with Regions Hospital

Falls Screening and Referral Algorithm, TUG

[For all patients/clients 65 years old]

Timed Up-And-Go

1, 2

Administer Multi-factor Falls Questionnaire

Score < 14 seconds

3 Risk Factors
or
Score 14 seconds
< 3 Risk Factors

Score of 14 seconds
3 Risk Factors,
especially in I-V need for
support with cognition,
transportation or
attendance at > 1
professional visit

Low
Risk

Moderate
Risk

High
Risk

General Health Maintenance

Education Re: Exercise and
activity, safety, community
options and services

Refer to appropriate professionals

General Health Educational
information (as in Low Risk)

Refer to Falls Clinic

Score of < 14 seconds

< 3 Risk Factors

1. Podsiadlo D, Richardson S. The Time Up & Go: A Test of Basic Functional Mobility for Frail Elderly Persons. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 1991;
39(2): 142148.
2. Shumway Cook A, Brauer S, Woollacott M. Predicting the Probability for Falls in CommunityDwelling Older Adults Using the Timed Up & Go Test. Physical Therapy
2000 Vol. 80(9): 896903.
(c) Saskatoon Falls Prevention Consortium, Falls Screening and Referral Algorithm, TUG, Saskatoon Falls Prevention Consortium, May 2007

Sponsored by: West Central Regional Trauma Advisory Council in Partnership with Regions Hospital

Community-based Fall Risk Education and Assessment TUG Score

Letter to Physician
Dear Dr.
Re:
Address/postal code:
Home Phone:
Your patient,

, was seen at the community-based falls

assessment clinic at

The goal of this assessment is to identify patients at risk of falls before they have a major injury. Your patient
self-referred for this screening. They were screened using a risk factor questionnaire and the Timed-UpAnd-Go (TUG) Test. These are well established screening tools for fall risk. These tests combine to stratify
the patient as being at low, medium or high risk of falling.
Your patients results are as follows:
Screening Results:
Timed-Up-And-Go Test

Score:

(>14 seconds indicates increased fall risk)

Risk Identification:
Low - score of < 14
seconds on TUG & < 3
Risk Factors

Moderate - TUG score

< 14 seconds & 3 risk
factors or TUG 14 seconds
& <3 risk factors

High - TUG score 14 seconds

& 3 risk factors; especially
I -V need for support with
cognition, transportation or
attendance at > 1 professional
visit

Our screen has identified the following risk factors that may need further discussion if they have not
already been addressed:
Relevant risk factors for falls:
Previous falls or near falls

Endurance/weakness

Sensory risk

Dizziness or balance problems

Medication risk ( 4 meds/day)

Arthritis/pain

>1 Drink of alcohol/day

Inadequate nutrition

Medical risk

Incontinence

Cognitive risk

Sleeping problems

Environmental hazards
Gait/mobility risk

Depression or Anxiety
Previous fractures/Osteoporosis

Sponsored by: West Central Regional Trauma Advisory Council in Partnership with Regions Hospital

Community-based Fall Risk Education and Assessment TUG Score

Letter to Physician ~ cont.
Recommendations given to patient:
Discuss the findings of this screening with your physician
Discuss your medication risk with your pharmacist and/or physician
See your optometrist for an eye exam
Seek foot care services from a podiatrist or foot care nurse
Participate in exercises to improve leg strength and balance
Carry out a home safety checklist and make changes you identify to decrease your risk
Osteoporosis Risk: previous low-impact fracture including compression fracture of
vertebrae establishes diagnosis of osteoporosis. The Osteoporosis Society of Canadas
current guidelines suggest calcium, vitamin D and bisphosphonate therapy. Please refer
to www.osteoporosis.ca for more information.
Comments:

Screened by (name/title):

Date:

Telephone:
If you have any questions, please contact the above number.
Further fall information can be obtained from the Saskatoon Falls Prevention Consortium
www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/your_health/ps_ip_falls_who_we_are.htm

Saskatoon Health Region, May 2007

Sponsored by: West Central Regional Trauma Advisory Council in Partnership with Regions Hospital