Predicting Falls In Geriatrics Using Variants of Timed Up and Go Test

In India, the size of the elderly population is growing very fast, as falls is a major cause of debilitating conditions in the geriatric age; identifying individuals at risk of falling will help in preventing conditions of secondary falls. In this book the authors used timed up and go test along with a cognitive and motor constraint to identify which of the following was a better indicator of falls in this population. The study was done of healthy elderly population, who did not have any orthopaedic or neurological problems and could walk independently. Timed up and go test with a cognitive constraint was more specific and sensitive indicator of falls. This dual task assessment tool can be used while assessing patients as well as treating them in order to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.