At baseline, 120 older adults performed the TUG 3 times; once in the standard way, once with a manual dual-task (carrying a glass of water), and once with a cognitive dual-task (counting backward in threes from a number between 60 and 100). The tests were performed in random order after a practice run. After this, participants were prospectively followed for 1 year to record fall incidents.
No significant results were found for the regular TUG or the TUG with a manual dual-task. For the TUG with the cognitive dual-task, a significant result was found, from which an appropriate cut-off point could be determined to set sensitivity and specificity of this prognostic test.
The TUG with a cognitive dual-task of counting backwards in threes from a random number between 60 and 100 may be a valid instrument for predicting fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. This modified test shows a better risk prediction than the standard TUG or the TUG with a manual dual-task.
> From: Hofheinz et al., Gerontol Geriatr Med 2 (2017-07-28 09:12:31) 2333721416637798 . All rights reserved to The Author(s) . Click here for the online summary.
