What does the Timed Up and Go test evaluate, and what is a typical cutoff indicating higher fall risk?

• A. Dynamic gait accuracy; 12–15 seconds
• B. General mobility and balance; 12–13 seconds
• C. Balance during quiet stance; 5 seconds
• D. Visual acuity during movement; 30 seconds

Answer: (B)

This test measures general mobility and balance during a short, practical task: stand from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down. The time to complete this sequence reflects how efficiently a person can perform everyday movements that require balance and coordinated movement. Longer times indicate reduced mobility and balance and are linked to a higher risk of falls. A typical cutoff indicating higher fall risk in community-dwelling older adults is about 12 to 13 seconds; exceeding this threshold suggests greater fall risk. Keep in mind that exact cutoffs can vary by population and protocol, but 12–13 seconds is a commonly used benchmark. This test focuses on functional mobility rather than static balance or visual function.