Factors Associated with the Timed Up and Go Test Score in Elderly Women

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test score and the physical performance of women aged 75 years and over according to orthopedic status. [Subjects] The participants were 832 elderly women (mean age, 78.6 ± 2.7 years) who carried out their daily activities independently in their own homes and did not have histories of stroke or osteoarthritis of the hip. [Methods] Maximal voluntary contractions of the knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor muscle groups were measured using a hand-held dynamometer. One-leg standing time and usual walking speed were assessed as balance and walking performances. [Results] The TUG score was more strongly correlated with walking speed (r = -0.776) than the other measures of physical performance (r = -0.228 to -0.399). Correlations between the TUG score and walking speed were strongest for participants with knee osteoarthritis (r = -0.824) and fractures after 60 years of age (r = -0.809). A linear regression model of data from all participants showed that all performance scores and age were determinants of the TUG score (R² = 0.634). The determinants of the TUG score for participants with osteoarthritis or fractures were walking speed and one-leg standing score, and age (R² = 0.701) and walking speed, age, and knee strength (R² = 0.688). Beta estimates of walking speed for all participants and for the subgroups were higher (-0.69 to -0.76) than those for the other determinants (-0.06 to 0.14). [Conclusion] Walking speed is a stronger determinant of the TUG score than muscle strength or balance for elderly women.