Predictive and classification capabilities of the timed up and go as a physical performance measure in hip osteoarthritis: a retrospective study of 606 patients.

INTRODUCTION

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint pathology that significantly constrains functional capacity. Assessing the impact of hip OA on functionality is crucial for research and clinical practices. The study aimed to assess hip OA patients' functionality using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and to evaluate its diagnostic ability to differentiate between different grades of hip OA. We hypothesized that the severity of hip OA would impact the time required to complete the TUG test.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients (Ν = 606) with unilateral, primary hip OA were selected from de-identified data and divided according to the radiographic Kellgren-Lawrence classification system (groups: Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4). Groups' differences were assessed using the X test of independence and the one-way ANOVA model. Correlations between dependent and independent variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to assess the TUG test's ability to differentiate between the hip OA grades.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found among the three groups in age, gender distribution, TUG test, and occasional cane use (all p-values < 0.001). The correlation analysis shows a significant and strong positive correlation between TUG performance time and hip OA grades (r = .78, p < .001). The adjusted odds ratios (OR) were: Grade2-3=(2.29[95%CI: 1.89, 2.77], p < .001) and Grade3-4=(1.47[95%CI: 1.34, 1.62], p < .001). The TUG cut-off points from the ROC analysis were: Grades 2-3 = 10.25 s, Grades 2-4 = 11.35 s, and Grades 3-4 = 12.8 s.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that the duration of the TUG test significantly increased with the severity of the disease. TUG can offer real-time data on the management and progression of hip OA. Future studies should explore the correlation between hip OA and the TUG test, as understanding the relationship can influence treatment and patient outcomes.