Detecting subtle mobility changes among older adults: the Quantitative Timed Up and Go test

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• The Quantitative Timed Up and Go (QTUG) test utilizes wearable sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope) to enhance mobility assessment.
• It offers potential for detecting subtle changes in gait and balance compared to the standard TUG test.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the responsiveness, minimum detectable change (MDC), and effect size of the QTUG test.
• To assess QTUG's utility in socially active adults aged 50 years and older in a community exercise program.

Main Methods:

• 54 older adults (mean age 63.6 years) underwent repeated QTUG testing under single- and dual-task conditions.
• Responsiveness was determined by correlating changes in standard TUG with QTUG measures.
• MDC and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated for various QTUG parameters.

Main Results:

• A strong positive correlation (r=0.91) was found between standard TUG change and QTUG change.
• MDC values for QTUG were 0.77 seconds (single-task) and 2.33 seconds (dual-task).
• Small to moderate effect sizes were observed for parameters like sit-to-stand time, walk time, cadence, and turning time.

Conclusions:

• The QTUG test demonstrates responsiveness to changes in mobility in active middle-aged and older adults.
• Specific QTUG parameters show clinically relevant improvements with small to moderate effect sizes.
• QTUG shows promise for monitoring mobility in community-dwelling older adults undergoing exercise interventions.