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Falls are a leading cause of injury and reduced independence among older adults. As part of a proactive fall prevention strategy, physiotherapists often use functional assessments to identify those at risk. One such tool—the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test—is simple, quick, and highly effective in evaluating fall risk and functional mobility in seniors.
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test measures the time it takes for an individual to: Rise from a standard armchair, walk three meters (10 feet), turn around walk back, sit down again. While this may seem straightforward, the test provides valuable insight into a senior’s balance, walking speed, functional strength, and cognitive-motor coordination.
A TUG time over 12 seconds is associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults. This threshold helps physiotherapists identify individuals who may benefit from targeted interventions such as balance training, home hazard modification, or mobility aids. The TUG can also be used to identify slower times or fatigue across trials, which can suggest declining stamina and mobility—both linked to frailty and fall risk. The TUG test is highly reproducible, making it ideal for tracking progress over time.
The TUG test is recommended for:
Improvements in TUG time can reflect meaningful gains in functional independence.
At Pain Free Health, our clinicians use the TUG test as part of a broader falls risk screening process that includes:
If you or a loved one has concerns about balance, falls, or mobility, contact us today to schedule a fall risk assessment with one of our qualified physiotherapists.
