Validity and Reliability of the L Test in Geriatric Individuals

NCT07277751 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: HasanKU-FTR-NAY-01
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 70
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Age-related declines in mobility, gait speed, balance, and functional independence are major determinants of morbidity and fall risk among older adults. Widely used functional mobility assessments-such as the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)-provide valuable information but do not fully capture the multidimensional motor tasks required in daily life, such as turning, directional changes, sit-to-stand transitions, and combined mobility tasks. The L Test, originally developed as an expanded form of TUG, includes turning, curved-path walking and a longer walking distance, and may therefore offer a more comprehensive assessment of functional mobility. Although previous studies have demonstrated high test-retest reliability and significant correlations with TUG in clinical populations such as Parkinson's disease and chronic conditions, evidence regarding the reliability and validity of the L Test in healthy geriatric individuals is lacking. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the psychometric properties of the L Test in older adults. Purpose: The purposes of the study are to: Evaluate the test-retest reliability of the L Test in geriatric individuals. Determine its concurrent validity by examining relationships with TUG and 10MWT. Calculate measurement error indices including Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). Hypotheses H1: The L Test is a valid assessment tool for older adults. H2: The L Test demonstrates acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.70). H3: The L Test shows a strong correlation with TUG (r ≥ 0.50). H4: The L Test shows a strong correlation with 10MWT (r ≥ 0.50). Study Design: A cross-sectional methodological study with repeated measures (test-retest) one week apart. Participants: Target population: Adults aged ≥65 years who can independently ambulate at least 10 meters. Sample size: 58 participants based on power analysis; increased to 70 to compensate for potential attrition. Sampling: Simple random sampling. Inclusion Criteria: ≥65 years of age Mini-Mental State Examination ≥24 Able to walk 10 meters independently Voluntary participation Exclusion Criteria: Lower limb surgery within the past 6 months Diagnosed cardiovascular, neurological, or pulmonary disease Visual or auditory impairments affecting test safety Procedures Participants will complete: L Test, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT; normal and fast speed). One week later, all assessments will be repeated under the same conditions. Outcome Measures: Primary: L Test time (seconds) Secondary:TUG time, 10MWT time (normal and fast pace), SEM and MDC values. Pearson correlation with TUG and 10MWT Statistical Analysis: Test-retest reliability: ICC Concurrent validity: Pearson correlation coefficient Measurement error: SEM, MDC Significance level: p \< 0.05 Ethical Considerations: All tests conducted by trained physiotherapists. Continuous supervision to minimize fall risk. Written informed consent obtained. Participants may withdraw at any time. Confidentiality ensured Expected Outcomes: The study is expected to: Provide normative data for the L Test in the geriatric population Demonstrate the test's psychometric robustness Support the clinical use of the L Test for functional mobility screening Contribute to physiotherapy and geriatric rehabilitation literature

Conditions

Geriatric; Geriatric Individuals

Keywords

Geriatric assessment; Aged

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• L Test Procedure

  Starting seated in a standard chair. Standing up upon instruction. Walking 3 m straight. Turning left and walking 7 m. Returning via the same route. Sitting down again. Total distance: 20 m. Time recorded using a stopwatch. The L-test has far less well-established normative data and validated cut-offs for older adults than TUG or gait speed. Several recent reviews note a lack of age-specific reference values or consensus study-based cut-off scores for older community-dwelling adults. Because of this limited evidence base, the L-test is useful for within-person change (reliability, MDC) but less suitable for population screening using a single universal cut-off.

  one week

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Time Up and Go (TUG) Test

  one week

• 10 Metre Walking Test (10 MWT)

  one week

Study Arms (1)

Geriatric Individuals

≥65 years Able to understand instructions Able to walk independently (with or without minimal assistive device) MMSE ≥24 (Mini Mental State Examination) No acute medical condition

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

As explained in the section on inclusion criteria: ≥65 years, able to understand instructions, able to walk independently (with or without minimal assistive device), MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) ≥24, no acute medical condition

You may qualify if:

• ≥65 years
• Able to understand instructions
• Able to walk independently (with or without minimal assistive device)
• MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) ≥24
• No acute medical condition

You may not qualify if:

• Lower-limb surgery within 6 months
• Diagnosed neurological or cardiopulmonary disease
• Visual or auditory impairments preventing safe assessment

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hasan Kalyoncu University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hasan Kalyoncu University Medical Research and Application Center

Gaziantep, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: OTHER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Assistant

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 29, 2025
• First Posted: December 11, 2025
• Study Start: October 22, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 21, 2026
• Study Completion: April 21, 2026
• Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-11

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)