The timed "Up & Go" test measures, in seconds, the time taken by an individual to stand up from a standard arm chair (approximate seat height of 46 cm, arm height 65 cm), walk a distance of 3 meters (approximately 10 feet), turn, walk back to the chair, and sit down again. The subject wears his/her regular footwear and uses his customary walking aid (none, cane, or walker). No physical assistance is given. They start with their back against the chair, their arms resting on the arm rests, and their walking aid at hand. They are instructed that, on the work "go" they are to get up and walk at a comfortable and safe pace to a line on the floor 3 meters away, turn, return to the chair, and sit down again. The subject walks through the test once before being timed in order to become familiar with the test. Either a wrist-watch with a second hand or a stop-watch can be used to time the performance.

SLW/slw

2/2/98