RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TIMED UP AND GO TEST AND FALLS IN GREEK COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER PEOPLE

M. Tsekoura^1,2, S. Stasi², J. Gliatis³, V. Sakellari²

Background: Falling is a major health problem and a leading cause of injury and activity limitation in older people. Gait instability has been identified as a risk factor for falls.  Τhe Timed Up and Go (TUG) test has been recommended to assess gait and balance. Although, there are research data demonstrating the effectiveness of TUG in assessing risk of falls, data on the value of TUG in the Greek population are sparse.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between TUG values and the history of falls in Greek community-dwelling older people.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out using a convenience sample of 229 elderly individuals in the provinces of Achaia and Attiki; mainland regions of western and central Greece. A self-administered questionnaire, containing medical history and demographic data was given to all participants. Height and weight were recorded; whereas body mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. The comprehensive / objective assessment included TUG (sec) and the calf circumference’s measurement (cm).  For the TUG the participants were timed while getting up from an armchair (seat height approximate 46 cm), walked at their usual pace in  a line on the floor 3 meters away, turning and walking back to the chair and sitting down again. Calf circumference was assessed with an inelastic tape. All participants signed an informed consent form prior to their inclusion.

Results: The sample comprised 229 older people (160 women and 69 men), with a mean age of 74.3 ± 7.95 years. The incidence of falls in the  elderly individuals was 30.1% (n=77). The mean value for the TUG test was 9.2±1.96 sec. There were three factors associated with TUG using linear regression analyses:  falls (OR=2.32; 95 CI 1.9-2.66), age (OR= 0.05 95 CI 0.04-0.07) and comorbidities (OR= 0.32; 95 CI 0.18-0.45). There were no significant associations between TUG and calf circumference.

Conclusion(s): The findings of this study demonstrated that the TUG test was positively associated with history of falls, age and comorbidities. Further research with larger sample would be indicated in order to clarify the precise association of specific characteristics of patients with a history of falls.

Implications: Ongoing clinical research in different countries and their provinces can inform efforts to optimize assessment practices and rehabilitation services among the elderly. Standardized clinical assessment pathways for older individuals can be beneficial in avoiding time-consuming and cost-ineffective overlaps. TUG is a simple, single-item tool with predictive value for falls. Integrate similar findings with clinical expertise is important for physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals  to follow structured assessment processes, select appropriate and specific tools and keep them focused on the goal of identifying patients at risk of falling.

Funding, acknowledgements: “McHeELP, Motor control Home ergonomics Elderlies’ Prevention of falls, Ε.P. Developing Human Resources, Education and Lifelong Learning 2014-2020

Keywords: falls, Timed Up and Go, older people

Topic: Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes

Institution: University of Patras

Committee: University of Patras

Ethics number: 12542