The Time up & Go test to evaluate the change in functional mobility in post-stroke patients

Abstract

Responsiveness depends on properties of statistical analysis, commonly referred to being as, distribution-based responsiveness. Time Up and Go Test (TUG) is a common assessment to evaluate the mobilization in patients with complications pertaining to stroke. Objective: The major emphasis of this study was to analyse the improvement in functional mobility of the patients with symptoms related to stroke. Methods: This study is carried out in Fauji Foundation Hospital and National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM), Islamabad Pakistan. Sample size consisted of 116 patients including both genders, with age ranging between 45-65 years. Clinically, the diagnosis of stoke can be concluded in compliance with reported criteria and standards of World Health Organization (WHO). Out of total 116 sample size 25 were excluded and 91 patients were assessed to detect mobility response by using TUG test, pertaining to four different intervals. The overall procedure implemented for the conclusion of TUG test included the following points; a) patients were advised to stand on toes, b) walk 3 meters, c) turn around and walk back to the chair from which they initially started, and d) asked to sit down quickly. Results: Between the first 7 days and 12 weeks the median of TUG test, time (mobility) was reduced from 17s to 12s. The improvement in mobility is most seen in 1st week to 3rd month. Conclusion: Findings indicate that the TUG test is capable to evaluate the change in functional mobility in patients with stroke. Hence, the outcomes justify the use of TUG in stroke rehabilitation