Correlation Between Instrumented Timed Up and Go Test Performance and Muscle Strength in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis:
Mathilde Pelletier Visa1,2, Lech Dobija1,2, Anargyros Verdilos3
1Service de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont Ferrand, France.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 10, 2026
Summary
The instrumented Timed Up and Go (iTUG) test can estimate lower-limb muscle weakness in osteoarthritis patients, particularly hip osteoarthritis. This accessible tool shows promise for clinical assessment when specialized equipment is unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal Health
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Muscle weakness significantly impacts functional limitations in individuals with hip osteoarthritis (HOA) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
- Objective and accessible tools are needed for assessing muscle strength in clinical settings and monitoring rehabilitation progress for osteoarthritis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between parameters from the instrumented Timed Up and Go (iTUG) test and isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength.
- To determine the utility of the iTUG as a proxy for muscle strength assessment in individuals with HOA and KOA.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 36 participants with KOA and 21 with HOA.
- Isokinetic dynamometry measured quadriceps and hamstring peak torques at 60°/s.
- An inertial measurement unit (IMU) mounted on the sacrum recorded iTUG test data.
Main Results:
- Weak-to-moderate correlations were found between iTUG parameters and muscle strength in KOA (r = -0.398 to -0.516).
- Moderate-to-strong correlations were observed in HOA (r = -0.537 to -0.843), with vertical push-off power and temporal metrics showing the strongest relationships.
- Total iTUG duration strongly correlated with the traditional stopwatch TUG (r = 0.91).
Conclusions:
- The iTUG test demonstrates potential as an accessible method for estimating lower-limb muscle weakness, especially in HOA patients.
- The iTUG may serve as a valuable clinical tool for assessing muscle strength when isokinetic testing is not feasible.
- Findings suggest the iTUG can provide insights into muscle function, complementing traditional assessments, though caution is advised due to the small sample size.
