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

Motor problems and cognitive deficits affecting walking and balance are frequently observed in individuals with MS. As a result of problems occurring in the motor and sensory systems, walking becomes less automatic and greater use is made of cognitive capacity. In addition to deficits in the motor system, individuals with MS experience reduced attention capacity and executive function dysfunction. Walking dysfunction is observed in approximately 85% of MS patients from the early stages, and MS patients report that walking dysfunction significantly limits their daily lives. Gait disorders in individuals with MS are generally characterised by reduced walking speed, shortened stride length, increased double support phase, shortened single support period, cadence changes, and progressively shorter walking distance. MS patients may exhibit variability in walking parameters even in the very early stages. This variability provides information about the extent to which they are at risk of balance impairment and falls. Cognitive impairments are among the most common symptoms of MS. Approximately 65% of individuals with MS report cognitive deficits that emerge in the early stages of the disease. In previous years, motor and cognitive impairments were commonly studied independently of each other. Recently, however, there has been a focus on researching the simultaneous performance of motor and cognitive tasks and revealing the interaction between the two. Performing two actions, motor and cognitive, at the same time can lead to a decrease in performance in one or both actions. This decrease in performance is called Cognitive-Motor Matching. It is usually assessed using dual-task activities that involve motor (walking, balance task) and cognitive tasks (counting backwards, word generation), and the dual-task cost (DTC) is calculated by taking the percentage change in dual-task performance compared to single-task performance. As daily living activities do not involve isolated motor or cognitive tasks, it is recommended in clinical practice and research that both tasks be examined together to calculate the dual-task cost. Many studies evaluating dual-task performance in individuals with MS have reported that individuals with high disability levels, in particular, show greater dual-task cost than healthy individuals. This increase in motor and cognitive dual-task cost in individuals with MS has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of falling. Therefore, it has been stated that it should be included in routine clinical assessments and that intervention studies involving dual-task activities are needed. Dual task impairment in MS may be due to impaired attention, fatigue, and reduced memory capacity or general cognitive functions not related to the use of different strategies. Studies investigating the effect of dual tasks on walking in individuals with MS have reported that dual tasks increase step length, sway phase duration, and double support period, while decreasing walking speed. In the literature, dual tasks have been assessed using tests such as walking on a straight path, tandem walking, and backward walking. Gait assessment has generally been evaluated in a straightforward, simple, and easy manner, such as the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the 10-metre walk test, and the 6-minute walk test. Based on this information, we aimed to evaluate dual tasks using the L test, which is a more complex and potentially challenging test. The L test is a modification of the Timed Up and Go test that extends the walking distance to 6 to 20 metres and requires participants to make turns both clockwise and counterclockwise. The L test is a modified form of the TUG test. The walking path is L-shaped. The L test is a more comprehensive test than the TUG test because it involves a greater walking distance and turning activity in both directions. This test indirectly assesses dynamic balance during walking and turning activities. The L test evaluates the fundamental components of functional mobility, such as balance, transfer, walking, and turning. Based on this information, we aimed to assess the applicability of the L test in individuals with multiple sclerosis to evaluate both cognitive and more complex motor skills during single and dual tasks.