Which of the following tests is commonly used to quickly screen functional mobility?

• A. 6-Minute Walk Test
• B. Goniometry
• C. Timed Up and Go (TUG)
• D. Pain scales

Answer: (C)

The ability to quickly screen functional mobility hinges on a test that captures the essential everyday movements in a brief, easy-to-administer format. The Timed Up and Go does just that: the person rises from a chair, walks a short distance, turns around, returns, and sits again, with a timer providing a single performance score. This combines multiple mobility components—getting from chair to standing, walking, turning, and sitting down—so you get a practical snapshot of overall mobility and potential fall risk. It’s quick to administer, needs minimal setup (a chair and a measured distance), and is widely used in clinical settings for fast screening.

In contrast, the six-minute walk test focuses on endurance and aerobic capacity over a longer duration, not a quick mobility screen. Goniometry measures joint range of motion rather than functional task performance. Pain scales assess symptom intensity, not how well someone can perform mobility tasks. So the Timed Up and Go is the most efficient and relevant choice for quickly screening functional mobility.