A Timed Up and Go (TUG) time of 13 seconds would be considered:

• A. Within normal range and below the fall-risk threshold
• B. Above the fall-risk threshold
• C. Exactly 13 seconds
• D. Cannot determine from this value

Answer: (A)

Interpreting Timed Up and Go results focuses on what the time says about mobility and fall risk. The test measures how long it takes someone to stand from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down, reflecting balance, strength, and gait. In many adults, times under a commonly used cutoff are considered normal with no elevated fall risk. A typical threshold for higher fall risk is around 13.5 seconds, though exact cutoffs vary by age and population. A time of 13 seconds falls below that threshold, so it’s interpreted as within the normal range and not indicating increased fall risk. Of course, thresholds can differ with age, health, and setting, so some clinicians may view borderline times differently, but 13 seconds is generally not flagged as high risk.