Age Related Timed Up and Go Test Values and Its Analysis among Elderly Kanchipuram District Population

Abstract

Introduction: TUG (Timed Up and Go test) test is widely used in elderly to assess fall and balance among community and institution dwelling elder population. Many studies have given the reliability and validity of the test and the uses of the test in elderly population. So far no studies had recorded the TUG values for middle and young population which may be important to frame preventive measures to improve balance and to prevent fall as they approach older age. Aim: To find the TUG scores mean values among different age group and analyse its difference among various age group. Materials and Methods: A Cross-sectional study was done in which subjects with no neurological deficit and no recent fractures or congenital deformities and who could walk without walking aid were selected. About 413 subjects among different age groups from 19 years to 70 years were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, The age groups are divided as 19-20 (95 subjects), 21-30 (81 subjects), 31-40 (29 subjects), 41-50 (24 subjects), 51-60 (84 subjects), 61-70 years (100 subjects) respectively. The subjects were made to complete TUG test and the time duration was documented and analysed with One way Anova and Tukey HSD. Results: There was a Significant difference in TUG test scores between 19-20 age group and above 40 age group up to 70 years, whereas no significant difference exist between 19-20 years age group and 20-40 age groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: TUG scores differs with age groups and even middle age population has mobility impairments and they might have a risk of fall in future so middle aged population also should be screened for mobility impairments to improve their mobility and balance.

Keywords

• accidental falls
• postural balance
• timed up and go test