What does a score of 30 seconds or more on the TUG test suggest?

A score of 30 seconds or more on the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test indicates that the patient may be prone to falls. The TUG test is designed to assess a person's mobility, balance, and fall risk by measuring the time it takes to rise from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down again.

Scores of 30 seconds or more highlight significant delays in mobility and can be indicative of functional impairments such as reduced speed, balance issues, or strength deficits. Higher scores have been correlated with an increased likelihood of falls in older adults, and thus may require further evaluation and potentially interventions to enhance safety and mobility.

While other scores might indicate normal mobility, good balance, or a lack of need for assistance, a 30-second score specifically highlights a concerning level of impairment that warrants further assessment and possibly the implementation of fall prevention strategies or mobility aids.