Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Introduction
Falls account for the most injury-related deaths in older adults and cost 50 billion dollars annually (1,2). The Timed up and Go(TUG) test is commonly used by PTs to identify individuals scoring >13.5 seconds as at risk for falling (3). Using this cutoff may justify physical therapy and be used as an assessment of improved function. The TUG is favored due to its inclusion of assistive device (AD) use. However, data suggest it may not be accurate in classifying those using ADs (4,5).
Objective
The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of AD use on TUG times in older adults with no fall history.
Participants
Fourteen (6 males, 8 females) older adults (age 60-68) completed the study. All participants were independent community ambulators, report no fall history in previous 12 months, currently walking without AD, and were screened using short version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (6).
Methods
The narrow-based quad cane (NBQC) and 2-wheeled walker (2WW) were chosen due to the accessibility and frequency of use in rehabilitation with older adults. Each participant performed the TUG under 3 randomized conditions: no AD, NBQC, 2WW. Participants were shown an instructional video on how to use each AD prior to performing the TUG. Participants were instructed to perform the TUG test at a “comfortable speed” while maintaining proper use of the AD. They were given one practice trial and two attempts that were averaged.
Limitations
Small sample size. Participants unfamiliar with ADs may impact TUG times. Variable data collection sites
Results
The average TUG times were as follows: no AD= 9.33 seconds (SD 2.67); NBQC = 20.13 seconds (SD 5.28); 2WW = 13.45 (SD 3.87). A repeated measures ANOVA compared the effect of AD on TUG times. F (3,39) = 128.13, p-value
Conclusion
Use of an AD in healthy non-fallers influenced TUG scores. The average TUG time of those using a 2WW approached the cutoff score for increased fall risk. The average score of those using NBQC was over 6 seconds slower than the accepted cutoff score.
Clinical Relevance
Use of the accepted TUG cutoff score for fall risk (>13.5 seconds) may not be appropriate to classify older adults who will consistently use either a NBQC or 2WW. Furthermore, using the cutoff score to show reduced fall risk following rehabilitation interventions may not be appropriate in those using either AD. Clinicians may consider using alternative assessments to demonstrate fall risk and/or show reduction of fall risk in individuals using AD.
Recommended Citation
Dowdal-Osborn, Megan PT, PhD; Bradley, C; Caswell, K; Teich, J; Witte, K; and Rundquist, Peter J. PT, PhD, "The Effect of Assistive Device Use on Timed Up and Go Scores In Healthy Older Adults with No Fall History: A Pilot Study" (2025). DPT Capstone Posters. 38.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/dpt-posters/38