Commentary on "A Modified Version of the Timed Up and Go Test for Children Who Are Preschoolers".

Abstract

“How should I apply this information?” This article presents a modified Timed Up and Go test (TUG) that may be used as a predictive tool for dynamic balance control in students developing typically aged 3 to 6 years. The added component of reaching for a motivating object is consistent with the Gross Motor Function Measure and Berg Balance Scale, which correlate with the TUG, and increases its pediatric applicability by measuring balance, walking ability, and weight shifting during a dynamic reaching task. In addition to being a tool to assess body functions and structure, it has potential to evaluate meaningful International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health activity levels such as ambulating, negotiating the classroom environment, and reaching for objects during classroom activities. It may also serve as a criterion-referenced measure to show change over time in a child's performance. In this study, TUG results improved with practice; clinicians may want to consider using the best score as opposed to the average score over multiple trials. “What should I be mindful about when applying this information?” This study offers preliminary results for a specific preschool population so they should be used cautiously until further reliability and validity studies are conducted. Because age and Flemish ethnicity were predictors of TUG scores, clinicians may want to provide test instructions in the subject's primary language to minimize language comprehension as a variable. Future research may incorporate children with particular diagnoses to determine whether other predictors exist, and to eventually obtain normative data for various pediatric populations. The reaching and grasping component may need to be modified to accommodate a child's fine motor, visual, cognitive, and/or motor control impairments. The present version of the simple and inexpensive TUG may be a helpful tool to screen children developing typically and to determine whether therapy services are indicated to address functional mobility, balance, and gross motor skills. Candace Bramley, PT, DPT Los Angeles Unified School District Los Angeles, California Stephanie Yu Covert, PT, MSPT, PCS Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Children's Medical Services, California Children's Services El Monte, California