What is a normal TUG test time?

A time under 10 seconds is generally considered normal for community-dwelling older adults. Times between 10 and 12 seconds suggest low fall risk, 13 to 19 seconds indicate moderate risk, and 20 seconds or more indicate high fall risk.

What equipment is needed for the TUG test?

You need a standard armchair (seat height approximately 46 cm), a stopwatch, a measured 3-meter walkway marked on the floor, and a flat, unobstructed walking surface. Patients use their usual footwear and walking aids.

Can patients use their walking aid during the TUG test?

Yes. Patients should use their habitual mobility aid (cane, walker) during the test. Document whether an aid was used when recording results so that follow-up tests use the same conditions.

How many trials should be performed?

Most clinical protocols recommend one practice trial followed by one or two timed trials. Record the best or average time depending on your protocol. Ensure the patient is familiar with the task before starting the timed trial.

Are the cutoffs the same for all populations?

Cutoffs vary slightly across studies and populations. The 10-second and 20-second thresholds are most commonly cited. Adjusted cutoffs exist for specific conditions such as Parkinson disease, hip fracture recovery, or frailty. Clinical judgment should always complement the score.

What should I do if the TUG score indicates high fall risk?

A high-risk score warrants a comprehensive fall risk assessment, referral to physiotherapy for balance and strength training, a home safety evaluation, and medication review. Assistive devices and environmental modifications may also be indicated.

Timed Up And Go

Name: Timed Up And Go
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your TUG test time in seconds to instantly assess fall risk and mobility level in older adults.

Enter TUG Test Result

Record the time from the standardized Timed Up and Go test.

Test Time (seconds)

sec

Enter a value between 1 and 300 seconds.

Patient Age Group

General older adult Frail / post-fall

Mobility Aid Used?

No aid Cane / walker

Enter a TUG test time and press Interpret Result.

TUG Score Reference Ranges

Based on commonly cited clinical thresholds for community-dwelling older adults.

Time (seconds)	Risk Category	Interpretation	Typical Action
< 10 s	Normal	Freely mobile; minimal fall risk	Routine monitoring
10 – 12 s	Low Risk	Mostly independent; some caution warranted	Exercise counseling
13 – 19 s	Moderate Risk	Mobility impaired; fall risk elevated	Physiotherapy referral
≥ 20 s	High Risk	Significant impairment; high fall probability	Comprehensive fall program

Summary

Enter your TUG test time in seconds to instantly assess fall risk and mobility level in older adults.

How it works

Conduct the TUG test: patient rises from a chair, walks 3 meters, turns, walks back, and sits.
Record the elapsed time in seconds using a stopwatch.
Enter the time (in seconds) into the calculator above.
The tool maps the result to a clinical risk category (normal, low risk, moderate risk, high risk).
Review the interpretation and recommended next steps for the patient.

Use cases

Screen older adults for fall risk in primary care or geriatric clinics.
Track mobility improvements during physiotherapy or rehabilitation.
Assess independence and need for assistive devices.
Support discharge planning decisions in hospital settings.
Document baseline mobility for longitudinal follow-up.
Educate patients and caregivers about functional mobility status.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu