TUG with Dual Task

TUG Test

We often use the Timed up and Go (TUG) test as a functional outcome measure with our patients.  We use this activity also during our treatment sessions in order to improve speed and balance with turning and transfers.  

If your patient can perform the TUG within the norms for their age group, you can challenge them by adding in a dual task.

Dual Tasking

A dual task is when you have your patient do two activities simultaneously.  The purpose of dual tasking is to assess the cognitive and executive function of a task while also assessing their falls risk and gait.  Dual tasking is especially useful for community-dwelling seniors as a prediction for falls. Using the TUG with dual task can be especially helpful in patients with neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, MS, and Stroke.

Technique

To facilitate a dual task, I will begin by assessing each activity as a single component. I will measure my patient performing a cognitive task alone while sitting and ambulation with or without an adaptive device.  Then, put the two activities together for a dual-task. To measure progress, record speed and number of items recalled for cognitive task.

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