Balance and functional assessment in ambulatory elderly patients using Timed Get Up and Go test
Journal Title: JOURNAL OF MEDICAL COLLEGE CHANDIGARH - Year 2016, Vol 6, Issue 2
Abstract
Introduction: Falls are a foremost cause of injury and activity limitation in older adults. Falls result in significant personal, social and economic burden. The Timed Get Up and Go test is a commonly used screening tool to assist clinicians to identify elderly patients at risk of falling. Aim and objectives: To measure the timed 'get up and go' score in ambulatory elderly patients. To assess if there was any difference in the TGUG score in relation to the age, sex, body mass index (BMI), number of chronic illnesses and polypharmacy. Materials and Methods: 120 randomly selected ambulatory elderly patients who visited the outpatient geriatric clinic at our centre were categorised into 3 groups on the basis of their age; 60-69 years (Group A), 70-79 years (Group B) and > 80 years (Group C). History pertaining to the number of co-morbidities and polypharmacy, history of falls and/or fractures (hip and lower limb) in the past 1 year, and use of walking aid, alcohol use and smoking were noted. Barthel Index was used to assess the functional independence. Functional mobility was assessed by doing a timed 'get up and go' (TGUG) test. Statistical Analysis: The TGUG score was analysed with respect to age, gender, body mass index, number of comorbidities and polypharmacy. Results: The TGUG score was highest in Group C (>80 years) and statistically significant when compared to other 2 groups. Females overall had a statistically significant higher TGUG score as compared to the males. In comparison to other two groups, Group B females fared worse in their scores when compared to corresponding males. The body mass index, larger number of comorbid illnesses and presence of polypharmacy did not significantly influence the TGUG score. Conclusion: The TGUG test is a good screening tool to identify elderly at high risk of falls and fractures and therefore should be part of routine geriatric assessment.
Authors and Affiliations
Aakanksha Sharma, Monica Gupta, Sarabmeet Singh Lehl
Keywords
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