Reliability and minimal detectable change of the timed up and go test and the two-minute walk test in total hip arthroplasty.

Abstract

Objective: To find out the reliability and low detectable change (MDC) of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) in study participants after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Study Design: Prospective Observational study. Setting: Indus Hospital and Health Network in Karachi. Period: From June and November 2025. Methods: The proposed pre-post intervention study took place within a sample population comprising of 37 adults (18-60 years) undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty at least 6 months prior to the study. The TUG and 2MWT reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated and responsiveness measured using the Cohen d. SPSS vol.26 was used to analyze data <0.05 was to be significant value. Results: The study was accomplished by a total of 37 participants. The TUG test and 2MWT were found to be highly reliable tests with regard to the test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.92 and 0.94, respectively). TUG and 2MWT had minimal detectable changes (MDC95) of 2.1 s and 14.7 m respectively. Large responsiveness was suggested by the standardized effect sizes (Cohen d: 1.05 TUG, 0.98 2MWT). After rehabilitation, functional performance was significantly improved as well as pain. Conclusion: The TUG and 2MWT are valid, responsive and clinically pertinent instruments in measu0ring restoration of function following total hip arthroplasty. The MDC values developed during this research can serve as objective standards of determining real changes in mobility and endurance.