Reliability and validity of the L test in people with multiple sclerosis


ELDEMİR K., ELDEMİR S., ÖZKUL Ç., İRKEÇ C., GÜÇLÜ GÜNDÜZ A.

PHYSIOTHERAPY, cilt.126, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 126
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.physio.2024.101429
  • Dergi Adı: PHYSIOTHERAPY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ASSIA, CINAHL, SportDiscus, DIALNET
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objectives: Functional mobility is an essential factor affecting the activities of daily living in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The L test is a comprehensive assessment tool for functional mobility that incorporates sit-to-stand, transfers and bidirectional turning. The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the L test in PwMS. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Thirty-four PwMS [Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 0 to 5] and 34 healthy controls were included in this study. Main outcome measures: The L test was administered along with the timed up and go (TUG) test, 10-m walk test (10-MWT), 6-minute walk test (6-MWT), timed 360 degree turn test, and EDSS by the same rater. Fall history was recorded to categorize PwMS with and without a history of falls. The L test was repeated after 1 week to determine test-retest reliability. Results: The L test showed excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.995). The minimum detectable change for the L test time was 1.4 seconds. The L test demonstrated significant positive correlations with the TUG test, timed 360 degree turn test and EDSS score, and significant negative correlations with the 10-MWT and 6-MWT (P < 0.001). Significant differences in the L test times were found between PwMS and healthy controls, and between PwMS with a history of falls and those without a history of falls (P < 0.05). The cut-off time of 14.7 seconds on the L test was found to best discriminate between PwMS and healthy people, while 16.4 seconds was found to best discriminate between PwMS with a history of falls and those without a history of falls. Conclusion: The L test is a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of functional mobility in PwMS.