Your Timed Up and Go result reflects functional mobility and fall risk. A time under 10 seconds indicates freely mobile with normal function. A time of 10-19 seconds suggests mostly independent mobility but with some impairment that may benefit from targeted exercises or environmental modifications. A time of 20-29 seconds indicates variable mobility with moderate fall risk, and the patient may need a walking aid or physical therapy referral. A time of 30 seconds or more indicates significantly impaired mobility with high fall risk, often requiring assistance with daily activities.

The TUG time should be interpreted in the context of the patient's age, baseline function, and medical conditions. A 90-year-old completing the test in 14 seconds may be doing very well for their age, while the same time in a 65-year-old may be concerning. Serial measurements are valuable for tracking functional decline or improvement after interventions.

Use the TUG test as part of a geriatric assessment for older adults at risk for falls, particularly those aged 65 and older. It is recommended by multiple guidelines including the AGS/BGS (American/British Geriatrics Society) as a component of fall risk screening. The test is ideal for primary care, geriatric clinics, rehabilitation settings, and pre-surgical evaluations for procedures where postoperative mobility is a concern.

The TUG is also useful for monitoring treatment response — for example, tracking improvement after physical therapy, medication adjustment, or hip/knee replacement. Serial measurements provide objective data on functional mobility trends.

The TUG test has moderate sensitivity (approximately 87%) but lower specificity for predicting falls. A normal TUG time does not rule out fall risk, as many falls are caused by environmental hazards, medications, or acute medical events that the TUG cannot capture. It should always be combined with a comprehensive fall risk assessment including medication review, vision testing, orthostatic blood pressure measurement, and home safety evaluation.

The test may not be sensitive to subtle balance or gait disorders, particularly vestibular dysfunction or mild cerebellar ataxia. It primarily measures gross functional mobility rather than specific balance components. The cognitive dual-task TUG (performing a mental task such as counting backward while walking) may improve the predictive value but is not included in this standard version. Results can also be influenced by footwear, pain, and motivation.