Use of Timed Up and Go Test to Predict Risk of Fall in Indian Elderly

Background: Although the TUG has been recommended as a key test for screening the risk of fall, the optimal cut-off value to detect older adults who are at an elevated fall risk remains controversial as wide range of threshold values have been reported in the literature. The validation of TUGT is yet to be performed for the Indian population.

Objective: To determine cut off value for TUG to predict risk of falls among Indian population.

Methods and Measures: In this cross sectional study, 121 participants, meeting inclusion-exclusion criteria and willing to participate were included. On the basis of BBS scores, participants were divided in risk of fall group (BBS< 45) and no risk of fall group (BBS2 >/=45). TUG Test was performed and time was measured using stop watch.

Results: Pearson correlation between BBS and TUG had shown statistically significant negative correlation (r= -0.852), (p=0.000). Considering the different sensitivity and specificity, the best predictive value to predict risk of fall was 14.5 seconds at 97.4% sensitivity, 96% specificity.

Conclusion: Best cut off value to predict risk of fall is 14.5 Sec for older adults in India. Increasing age, Knee pain and sedentary life significantly affects TUG Scores and increased Risk of fall.