The Timed Up-&-Go Test: Preliminary Age- and Sex-related Reference Values for Older Filipino Adults

Abstract

Objective. The Timed Up-&-Go Test (TUGT) is a clinically useful measure that has been widely used in practice to
assess functional mobility in older people. Interpretation of TUGT scores relies on appropriate reference values.
This study aimed to describe preliminary age- and sex-related reference values for the TUGT for Filipinos aged
60–79 years.

Methods. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. We included Filipino adults aged 60–79 years, with no significant
disability, and resided in metropolitan areas in the National Capital Region and rural communities in southern
Luzon. All participants completed the TUGT. Data were analyzed descriptively and reported as means, standard
deviations, and 95% confidence intervals.

Results. A total of 156 community-dwelling older adults participated in the study with mean age (SD) of 68 (5)
years. The majority were women (103/156, 66%). Mean (SD) TUGT score for all participants was 11.0 (2.4) seconds.
Overall, men completed the test faster compared to women, and individuals in the 60–69 years age group had
shorter completion times than those in the 70–79 years age group.

Conclusion. In the absence of definitive reference values for older Filipino adults, this study provides preliminary
guidance for interpreting TUGT performance for the purposes of screening and monitoring functional mobility
impairments in this population.