What does the TUG test measure?

The TUG test measures the time (in seconds) a person needs to rise from a standard chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down again. It reflects overall functional mobility, balance, and gait speed in older adults.

What is considered a normal TUG time?

Healthy, community-dwelling adults aged 60–79 typically complete the TUG in under 12 seconds. Times of 12 seconds or more suggest increased fall risk; times above 20 seconds indicate high fall risk and need for assistive devices.

What equipment do I need to perform the TUG test?

You need a standard armchair with a seat height of about 46 cm, a measured 3-meter walkway marked on the floor, and a stopwatch or timer. The patient uses their regular footwear and any assistive device they normally use.

Can this tool replace a full falls assessment?

No. The TUG is a screening tool. Patients scoring 12 seconds or more should receive a comprehensive multifactorial falls assessment including medication review, vision testing, and home safety evaluation.

Is the TUG test validated for all older adults?

The TUG has been validated widely in community-dwelling adults over 60 and in rehabilitation settings. Normative cutoffs may differ for specific populations such as those with Parkinson's disease, hip fracture, or dementia — clinical judgment remains essential.

Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Interpreter

Name: Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Interpreter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter a TUG test time in seconds and get an immediate fall-risk classification with clinical guidance.

Enter TUG Time

Time to complete test (seconds)

sec

Enter a value between 1 and 300 seconds.

Patient age group (optional — refines norms)

Standard Cutoffs

Time (sec)	Risk Level
< 10	Low risk — freely mobile
10–11.99	Borderline — monitor
12–19.99	Moderate fall risk
≥ 20	High fall risk

Enter a TUG time to see the interpretation.

Summary

Enter a TUG test time in seconds and get an immediate fall-risk classification with clinical guidance.

How it works

Have the patient sit in a standard chair with armrests.
On the word "Go", start timing as the patient rises, walks 3 meters, turns, walks back, and sits.
Stop the timer when the patient is fully seated again.
Enter the elapsed time in seconds into the field below.
The tool classifies fall risk and displays recommended clinical follow-up.

Use cases

Screen older adults for fall risk during routine clinical visits.
Track mobility improvement or decline across serial assessments.
Determine whether a patient needs a comprehensive falls evaluation.
Support discharge planning and physical therapy referrals.
Document functional mobility status in geriatric assessments.
Guide community-dwelling elderly on safe activity levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-26 · Reviewed by Nham Vu