NORMAL VERSUS FAST TIMED UP AND GO IN OLDER ADULTS WITH LOW PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE: ASSOCIATIONS WITH HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND MUSCLE-RELATED ANTHROPOMETRIC MARKERS

Abstract

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is widely used to assess functional mobility in older adults, but it remains unclear whether the fast condition provides more clinically relevant information than the normal condition in those with low physical performance. This study compared normal TUG (TUGN) and fast TUG (TUGF) between older adults with low and normal physical performance and examined their associations with handgrip strength and muscle-related anthropometric markers. This cross-sectional analytical study included 98 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above. Participants were classified into low and normal physical performance groups using the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSTS), with a cut point of ≥12 s. Functional mobility was assessed using TUGN and TUGF. Handgrip strength (HGmax), calf circumference, and femur circumference were also measured. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were performed. Forty-three participants (43.9%) were classified as having low physical performance. Compared with the normal group, the low physical performance group was older and demonstrated significantly poorer TUGN (12.12 ± 3.34 vs. 10.28 ± 1.29 s, p = 0.001), poorer TUGF (10.13 ± 3.18 vs. 7.98 ± 0.94 s, p < 0.001), lower HGmax (19.03 ± 5.94 vs. 22.59 ± 5.41 kg, p = 0.003), and lower calf circumference (29.86 ± 4.97 vs. 32.35 ± 2.86 cm, p = 0.005). TUGF showed consistently stronger correlations than TUGN with FTSTS (r = 0.579 vs. 0.477), HGmax (r = -0.488 vs. -0.348), and calf circumference (r = -0.628 vs. -0.554) (all p < 0.001). Both TUG conditions reflect strength-related functional status in community-dwelling older adults; however, fast TUG showed stronger associations with FTSTS, handgrip strength, and calf circumference, suggesting that it may better reflect low strength-related functional performance than normal TUG.