Differences in Timed Up and Go and Gait Speed tests between Older Adults with High and Low Falls Risk

Abstract

Falls is one of the main problems in older adults, which indirectly contributes to deterioration of quality of life, morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in values between timed up and go (TUG) and gait speed tests among community dwelling older adults with high and low risk of falls classified using PPA (Physiological Profile Assessment). This cross-sectional study involved 278 older adults aged between 60 to 88 years, recruited from senior citizen club around Klang Valley. 40.6% older adults had high risk of falls and mostly were women (75%). The results of the study showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in TUG and Gait speed tests performance between older adults with high and low risk of falls. Declined mobility (longer time of TUG test) and increased age were identified as significant (p<0.05) risk factors for falls in this study. The TUG test reference values obtained in this study may be useful for early identification, prevention and management of falls among community dwelling older adults.

DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2018-1602-12