Validity and Reliability of the L Test in Single and Dual Task Conditions in Multiple Sclerosis

The study included volunteers diagnosed with MS who applied to the Neurology Outpatient Clinic at SANKO University Sani Konukoğlu Application and Research Hospital. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were assessed by Dr Meltem Uzun and Dr Hakan Polat in the application laboratory of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, SANKO University. All information gathering and assessments on the evaluation form prepared by the researchers were conducted face-to-face with the patients. First, the individuals' demographic information and disease information (how many years ago they were diagnosed with MS, EDSS: MS severity score) were recorded. The L test, Timed Up and Go test, and Timed 25-Step Walk test, which assess walking and mobility functions, were performed by two separate physiotherapists with at least 5 years of experience in this field. Before the tests were administered, the individuals were given a practical explanation of how the tests would be conducted. The L test was administered first. The individuals were seated and rested before the L test. The time taken to complete the activities during the tests was recorded using a stopwatch. The individuals were not informed of the times recorded. The assessments were conducted over two days, with two sessions per day, at one-week intervals. On the first day, the first assessor (Dr Meltem Uzun, physiotherapist) conducted the L test during the first session. She then conducted the L test under dual-task conditions. For the dual task, individuals were asked to subtract either odd or even numbers from 100 during the test. Subsequently, the Timed Up and Go Test and the Timed 25-Step Walk Test were conducted. In the other session, the second evaluator (Dr. Fzt. Hakan Polat) performed the L test. Subsequently, the L test was performed under dual-task conditions. On the second day of the evaluation, this time the second evaluator (Dr. Fzt. Hakan Polat) began by administering the L test. Subsequently, the first evaluator (Dr Meltem Uzun) performed the L test three times again. Each test was repeated twice, and the average of the two recorded times was noted. The evaluations were conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sanko University. The individuals in this study were assessed in the same environment in both sessions. This was done to minimise the effect of environmental factors on the patients' performance. The room temperature was normal room temperature, it was sufficiently lit, and the floor of the room was a hard surface. The assessments lasted a total of 25-30 minutes.