Pilot study: Comparison of Timed Up and Go test with and without walking aid in stroke patients

This pilot study compared Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results with and without walking aids and their correlation with balance. Twenty-five stroke patients (mean age 59.72 ± 13.0 years; 17 male, 8 female) were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients at least 2 months post-stroke, Mini-Mental State Test > 24, and able to walk 10 meters with or without walking aids were included. Functional mobility was assessed with Timed Up and Go. Participants completed TUG twice: with and without walking aids. Balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale. The mean Timed Up and Go value without aids was 50.44 ± 18.22 sec, and with aids was 42.32 ± 14.97 sec. Paired-sample T-test revealed a significant difference between Timed Up and Go values with and without aids (p = 0.01). TUG scores with and without aids and Berg Balance Scale scores showed high negative correlations (r = -0.534, r = -0.789). The use of walking aids improves Timed Up and Go scores in stroke patients. Based on these results, whether the patient uses a walking aid should be considered for accurate assessment, interpretation, and treatment of mobility and balance.