Análise do teste timed up and go e estabilização da marcha em crianças escolares

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Physical capacities refer to the attributes of the muscular, cardiorespiratory, and physiological systems of the human body, which can be enhanced through training and are fundamental for quality of life. The decline of these capacities is associated with various health factors, such as the risk of falls, loss of functional independence, hospitalization, and mortality. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a widely used assessment tool for physical capacity due to its ease of execution, low cost, high safety, and prognostic value for selected populations.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the time taken to complete the Timed Up and Go test in school-aged children and to associate age with the development of gait stabilization.METHODOLOGY: The study involved 186 participants aged between 7 and 12 years, divided into three groups: Group 1 (7 and 8 years), Group 2 (9 and 10 years), and Group 3 (11 and 12 years). Data collected included weight, height, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and test completion time.RESULTS: The average time to complete the TUG in Group 1 was 5.625 seconds, with a range from 5.820 to 5.431 seconds. Group 2 had an average time of 4.939 seconds, with a range from 5.163 to 4.714 seconds. Group 3 had an average time of 4.714 seconds, with a range from 5.027 to 4.656 seconds.CONCLUSION: It is concluded that in this sample, age directly influences the time required to complete the TUG test, and that the development of gait patterns may not cease at the age of 8. However, further studies are needed in this area of research.