Mobility Assessments: How Physiotherapists Measure Function
Mobility assessment is a cornerstone of physiotherapy practice. By using standardised, validated assessment tools, physiotherapists can objectively measure a patient's mobility, balance, strength, and functional capacity. These assessments guide treatment planning, track progress over time, and provide objective evidence of improvement. Understanding what these assessments measure helps patients understand their rehabilitation journey.
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is one of the most widely used mobility assessments. The patient starts seated in a chair, stands, walks three metres, turns, walks back, and sits down. The time taken is measured — more than twelve seconds indicates increased fall risk, and more than thirty seconds indicates significant mobility impairment. The TUG assesses multiple components: sit-to-stand ability, walking speed, turning, and transfers — making it an excellent overall functional mobility screen.
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) assesses balance through fourteen tasks, each scored from zero to four, giving a maximum of fifty-six. Tasks include sitting and standing balance, turning, reaching, and single-leg standing. Scores below forty-five indicate increased fall risk. The BBS is particularly useful for tracking balance recovery after stroke or injury.
The Five Times Sit-to-Stand test measures the time taken to stand and sit five times as quickly as possible. It specifically assesses lower limb strength and balance — times over twelve seconds indicate impaired function. This test is a powerful predictor of fall risk and functional decline.
Gait speed is measured by timing the patient walking a set distance (typically six or ten metres). Normal walking speed for older adults is approximately 1.2 to 1.4 metres per second. Gait speed predicts survival, hospital admission, and functional outcomes — it is sometimes called the "sixth vital sign."
The Functional Reach Test measures how far forward a patient can reach while standing without losing balance. Less than fifteen centimetres indicates high fall risk.
For patients with specific conditions, condition-specific assessments may be used. After stroke, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment or Motricity Index measure motor recovery. In Parkinson's, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) tracks disease progression and treatment response.
These assessments provide objective, reproducible measurements that guide treatment and demonstrate progress. Your physiotherapist will choose appropriate assessments based on your condition and goals, and will use them to track your rehabilitation journey.
Our elderly physiotherapy and falls prevention services use these validated assessments as part of comprehensive evaluation. Our neurological physiotherapy service uses specialised assessments for neurological conditions, while our post-hospital rehabilitation service uses them to track recovery after hospital discharge.