Monitorization of Timed Up and Go Phases in Elderly

Abstract Aims to characterize functional mobility during timed “Up and Go” (TUG) test using Wiva® science sensor and to identify which parameter of TUG test best correlates with health-related outcomes in elderly. Methods 1598 participants (71.53 ± 4.99 y, 64.1% women) were recruited. The body mass index (BMI), muscle strength, health status, and all TUG phases (sit-to-stand, gait-to-go, turning, gait-return, and stand-to-sit) were evaluated. 5-TUG performance-group scores are reported for the <20th; 20–40th, 40–60th, 60–80th, 80–100th percentiles, as there is no health standard cutoff for Portuguese elderly. The Pearson’s correlations were assessed between variables (p < 0.05). Results The best TUG performers (<20th) presented better results than the other groups for all tests, with the exception of the Turning phase. Both gait, sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit were inversely correlated with health status and muscle strength, and positively correlated with BMI. Conclusions All phases of TUG test are an important tool to assess functional mobility, providing complementary data for clinical settings in elderly population.