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A Smartphone-Based Timed Up and Go Test Self-Assessment for Older Adults: Validity and Reliability Study
Melissa Johanna Böttinger1,2, Sabato Mellone3, Jochen Klenk4,5
1Geriatric Center, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Bergheimer Str. 20, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany, 49 6221 548146.
JMIR Aging
|March 21, 2025
Summary
The smartphone "up&go app" accurately measures the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for older adults, showing excellent validity and reliability for self-assessment of physical capacity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is an established measure of physical capacity.
- Instrumented TUG (iTUG) offers potential for older adult self-assessment.
- Smartphone-based applications can expand iTUG accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a smartphone-based TUG self-assessment application ('up&go app').
- To evaluate the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the 'up&go app'.
Main Methods:
- 52 community-dwelling older adults (>67 years) participated.
- Concurrent validity was assessed against a validated lower-back sensor system.
- Test-retest reliability was evaluated in a subsample after 2 weeks.
Main Results:
- The 'up&go app' demonstrated excellent concurrent validity (r=0.99 for total duration).
- High agreement was found for 5 TUG repetitions (ICC=0.90) and excluding the first repetition (ICC=0.95).
- Excellent test-retest reliability was observed (ICC=0.79).
Conclusions:
- The 'up&go app' provides a valid and reliable smartphone-based method for TUG self-assessment.
- The app can empower older adults for home-based physical capacity screening and monitoring.
- Early identification of functional limitations can facilitate timely interventions.
