Timed Up and Go test (TUG)

The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) is a short walking test. The person stands up from a chair, walks 3 meters to a line on the floor, turns around, walks back and sits down.^{1Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 255–256.} The score is the time in seconds.^{1Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 255–256.}

ACSM lists the TUG as a common field test of dynamic balance.^{2Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 253.} It is suggested for people who can’t finish a static balance test called the BESS.^{1Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 255–256.} The TUG gives a picture of balance, strength, mobility and fall risk.^{1Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 255–256.}

The Senior Fitness Test uses a shorter version, the 8-Foot Up-and-Go. It covers 8 feet and turns around a cone. It needs less space and makes it clearer when and how to turn.^{1Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 255–256.}

The NSCA personal training text says tests like the TUG matter because results track with daily tasks, walking and balance.^{3Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 618.} ACSM also uses the TUG in people with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.^{4Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 792–793.},^{5Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 922.}

In practice

• Use a standard chair about 46 cm high. The person wears normal shoes and may use a cane or walker.^{1Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 255–256.}
• They start with their back against the chair and arms on the armrests. On “go,” they walk at a comfortable, safe pace.^{1Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 255–256.}
• Give one practice try before the timed one.^{1Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 255–256.}
• To judge fall risk, pair the TUG with a reaching test, and watch how the person moves.^{6Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 437–438.}
• For the 8-Foot Up-and-Go, ACSM’s targets for staying independent run from about 5 seconds at ages 60 to 64 to 8 seconds at ages 90 to 94.^{6Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 437–438.}
• In older adults, power training improves TUG times more than regular resistance training does.^{7Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 443.}