The Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test is a simple and widely used assessment that measures functional mobility, balance, and fall risk in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other movement disorders. The child starts seated in a chair, stands up, walks 3 meters, turns around, walks back, and sits down, while the total time is recorded.
Key Measures:
- Time taken (seconds) – Indicates mobility efficiency.
- Balance and coordination – Assesses postural transitions and gait stability.
- Fall risk – Helps identify children at risk of mobility-related falls.
Accessing the TUG Test Protocol:
Detailed instructions for administering the TUG Test can be found in the following resources:
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: Provides a comprehensive overview of the TUG Test, including its purpose, equipment needed, and step-by-step administration guidelines. sralab.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Offers a concise guide on conducting the TUG Test, complete with patient instructions and timing procedures. cdc.gov
Pros of Using the TUG Test for Children:
- Simplicity and Efficiency: The TUG Test is straightforward to administer, requiring minimal equipment—a standard chair and a stopwatch—making it practical in various clinical and educational settings. sralab.org
- Reliability: Studies have demonstrated high within-session, intra-examiner, and inter-examiner reliability of the TUG Test in children, indicating consistent and reproducible results. scielo.br
- Normative Data Availability: Research has established normative data for typically developing children aged 3 to 18 years, allowing for age-appropriate comparisons and assessments. lirias.kuleuven.be
Cons of Using the TUG Test for Children:
- Protocol Variations: Differences in test protocols, such as walking speed instructions (comfortable vs. fastest) and the use of motivational aspects, can affect TUG times and their consistency. Standardizing the protocol is essential for accurate assessments. lirias.kuleuven.be
- Limited Scope: While the TUG Test effectively measures basic functional mobility, it may not capture all aspects of a child’s motor abilities, such as endurance, strength, or coordination.
- Influence of External Factors: Children’s performance on the TUG Test can be influenced by factors such as motivation, comprehension of instructions, and environmental distractions, potentially impacting the test’s accuracy.
In summary, the TUG Test is a valuable tool for assessing functional mobility in children, offering simplicity, reliability, and established normative data. However, clinicians and educators should be mindful of protocol standardization and the test’s limitations to ensure accurate and meaningful evaluations.