CORRELATIONS BETWEENTHETIMED UP AND GO, AGE, AND POSTURAL SWAY IN OLDER ADULTS.

Abstract

Purpose/Hypothesis: To examine the relationships between Timed Up and Go score, age of the participants and areas of standing sway in active, non-falling, older adults. Subjects: 32 independent, non-falling, community-living adults aged 76 ± 5.6 years. Materials/Methods: The Timed Up and Go, age and closed-base standing center of pressure (COP) area were measured in one session at a local senior center. Closed-base standing COP was measured with both eyes open and eyes closed. Only participants who could stand for 10 seconds with a closed base of support and eyes closed were included. None of the participants had a history of falling in the last year. Results: The range of Timed Up and Go scores were from 8 to 22 seconds. There was no correlation between age, closed-base standing COP area and the Timed Up and Go in this active, healthy older population (p>.05). There was a significant relationship between the areas of COP with eyes open and eyes closed (r=.72, p <.001). However, none of the other variables measured correlated with one another (p>.05). Conclusions: There was no relationship found between the Timed Up and Go, age, and standing postural sway. The Timed Up and Go may be more appropriate for populations with a variety of functional levels than in a population of independent, active seniors. Modifying the instructions to encourage a faster, but safe gait during the test might be helpful for future use of this instrument. Clinical Relevance: The Timed Up and Go is a popular test used frequently in research as well as in the clinic. Finding the optimal instructions in administering this test as well as understanding which populations are most appropriate for this test is of great clinical relevance.