Timed Up-and-Go Test with an Obstacle: Evaluating Anticipatory Locomotor Adjustments in Older Adults

The Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test, a clinical assessment tool of functional mobility and balance scale for fall risk, is potentially helpful for evaluating anticipatory locomotor adjustments (ALA). This study aimed to simplify ALA evaluation in older adults using the TUG test. Thirty-eight older adults (mean ± SD: 74.97 ± 6.42 years) and 24 younger adults (25.16 ± 4.82 years) participated. Two identical poles replaced the cone-shaped object, creating the "obstacle TUG (Obs-TUG) test." Participants chose between passing between the poles or detouring around them. We examined the quality of ALA in terms of their route selection. Results showed that older adults selected a detour more frequently than younger adults, even if the opening between the two poles was so wide that passing through the opening required less time than taking a detour. Older adults were characterized by shorter step lengths and narrower step widths while turning, indicating prioritization of stability over efficiency. The Obs-TUG test effectively describes ALA characteristics in older adults through consistent behavioral choices in route selection and walking patterns.