Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Timed Up-and-go Test

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Seat the patient in a standard armchair. On the command 'go,' time the patient as they stand up, walk 3 meters (about 10 feet) at a comfortable and safe pace, turn around, walk back, and sit down again. Record the time taken in seconds. The patient may wear their usual footwear and use their usual walking aid.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Fall Risk / Mobility Impairment in Older Adults

Prolonged Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (≥12 seconds for community-dwelling adults; cutoff varies by population and threshold)
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Strong

References

  • 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 Geriatr. 2014;14:14. doi:10.1186/1471-2318-14-14. PubMed: 24484314
  • 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.

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