Validation of the Timed Up and Go Test as a Predictor of Risk of Falls in Subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) have a high risk of falling. The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) is used to predict the risk of falls but it has not been validated in subjects with RA. Purpose: the primary objective was to establish the predictive validity and the concurrent validity of TUG at the preferred walking speed or fastest speed possible as a predictor of falls in subjects with RA. The secondary objective was to establish if the TUG has a higher predictive value evaluated at the preferred walking speed or fastest speed possible.