Timed Up and Go Test (TUG): Assessing Mobility

The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) is a widely used method to check mobility and balance. It helps clinicians spot fall risks in older adults quickly. This assessment measures functional mobility by tracking how long it takes a person to stand up from a chair, walk three metres at a comfortable pace, turn, and sit back down. Scoring is straightforward since it relies on time measured in seconds. A result under ten seconds usually suggests normal mobility, while times over twelve seconds might point to a higher chance of falling or specific balance issues that really need attention. It requires minimal equipment, just a standard armchair and a stopwatch, making it incredibly easy to use in busy clinics or home visits. Physiotherapists and doctors use it to track changes over time or decide if a patient needs walking aids. It’s a practical tool for keeping older adults safe and independent.