Anita Kumar
INTRODUCTION
Early detection of falls risk in the community dwelling elderly helps to take preventive measures to avoid falls and hence decrease morbidity associated with falls. Falls are a serious threat to independent living and self confidence of the elderly.Using simple tools to determine risk of falls helps in early detection and prevention of falls.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
To establish TUG data among patients attending the geriatric clinic at MGM hospital, Kamothe and to determine risk of falls in these patients with respect to their systemic involvement.
METHODS
A prospective observational study of 100 geriatric age group patients were studied for their TUG scores and classified based on systems involved.TUG was performed using standard protocol and scores were stratified based on gender, age and diagnosis.
Participants were required to perform TUG, and were instructed to rise from an armless chair walk 3 metres and turn around at the chalk mark, walk back, and sit. They were instructed to walk at a normal pace without walking aids and shoes. Time was recorded when participants’ buttocks were lifted off the chair to stand and stopped when the buttocks touched the seat when returning to sitting position
Results
The results showed that the average TUG score of this cohort of 100 patients
attending our geriatric outpatient clinic was 13sec. 60 Males and 40 females were
analysed of which 38 patients had less than 12s as TUG score and 62 patients had
more than or equal to 12sec as TUG score. Maximum number of patients
undergoing the TUG test had musculoskeletal complaints. Yet patients with
respiratory conditions had the highest mean TUG score of 14 sec
and patients with abdominal and CNS conditions had lowest mean TUG scores.
Conclusion
This study of TUG score of cohort of 100 patients showed that average TUG score was 13sec which was higher than 12 second mark which indicates that these patients who did not have any previous fall had a risk of future falls and hence a requirement of an indepth mobility assessment and early intervention.