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The Timed Up and Go test

William Browne and Balakrishnan (Kichu) R Nair
Med J Aust 2019; 210 (1): . || doi: 10.5694/mja2.12045
Published online: 28 December 2018

The Timed Up and Go test provides a quick and valid way to estimate an older person's risk of falls, as well as other adverse outcomes

The observation of gait has long been a valued component of the physical examination. For older patients in particular, examination of gait can be extremely revealing, aiding identification of a number of neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies. A comprehensive history and physical examination should be included as part of the evaluation of older people, especially those with a history of falls, frailty or functional impairment. Such an evaluation should include a review of prior falls, examination of gait and balance, examination of the feet and shoes, testing of visual acuity and peripheral sensation, measurement of postural blood pressure, review of medication use, and assessment of risks in the patient's home environment.


  • 1 Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC
  • 2 Centre for Medical Professional Development, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW
  • 3 University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW


Series Editors

Balakrishnan (Kichu) R Nair

Simon O'Connor


Acknowledgements: 

We thank Penelope Casey, Clinical Nurse Educator at Eastern Health, Melbourne for her assistance in preparing video material for this article.

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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