The normative reference value of the L test in older adults of age group 60 to 70 years of elderly adults: a cross-sectional study

Priyadarshani Katalkar; Pooja Yadav

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20241197

Authors

Priyadarshani Katalkar Department of Neurophysiotherapy, MGM College of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Pooja Yadav MGM College of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20241197

Keywords:

L test, Older adults, 20-meter-long path, Gait

Abstract

Background: Walking speed assessments are thought to predict eventual health outcomes and patient quality of life when assessing the physical mobility of an individual. Such performance measurements are functional and objective which gives us accurate interpretation to anticipate future goals. The L-test is a feasible, easy administration in clinical setup would be quick and effortless for physiotherapist professionals. As there is no normative value of L- the test that could interpret the score of the test, our study focuses on finding the cut-off value in older adults aged 60-70 years.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from January 2021 to June 2021 in Mumbai, India. A total of 200 participants were selected based on inclusion criteria. The study used an L-shaped path that is 20 meters long which goes 3 meters straight, then a right turn, followed by 7 meters straight. The subjects walked along the marked pathway and the test completion time was noted.

Results: A notable difference was found between the male and female participants with a p value of 0.015 and the test duration for males was 19.15 (16.87-22.64) seconds and for females was 20.22 (18.03-23.94) seconds. A positive weak correlation was found between the body mass index (BMI) and duration. Also, a positive weak correlation was found statistically significant between the age and duration of the test.

Conclusions: The study showed that there is an increased time duration of the L test with advancing age and BMI.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Jhaver K, Krishnanand V, Oberoi M. Reliability and Validity of “L” Test in Young Elderly. Acta Sci Orthop. 2019; 2(10):28-31.

Khant N, Dani VB, Patel P, Rathod R. Establishing the reference value for “timed up-and-go” test in healthy adults of Gujarat, India. J Educ Health Promotion. 2018;7.

Haas B, Clarke E, Elver L, Gowman E, Mortimer E, Byrd E. The reliability and validity of the L-test in people with Parkinson’s disease. Physiotherapy. 2019; 105(1):84-9.

Kim JS, Chu DY, Jeon HS. Reliability and validity of the L test in participants with chronic stroke. Physiotherapy. 2015; 101(2):161-5.

Deathe AB, Miller WC. The L test of functional mobility: measurement properties of a modified version of the timed “up & go” test designed for people with lower-limb amputations. Physical Therapy. 2005;85(7):626-35.

Jhaver K, Krishnanand V, Oberoi M. Reliability and Validity of “L” Test in Young Elderly. Acta Sci Orthop. 2019;2(10):28-31.

Kim JS, Chu DY, Jeon HS. Reliability and validity of the L test in participants with chronic stroke. Physiotherapy. 2015;101(2):161-5.

Medley A, Thompson M. Contribution of age and balance confidence to functional mobility test performance: diagnostic accuracy of L test and normal-paced timed up and go. J Geriatric Physical Therapy. 2015;38(1):8-16.

Deathe AB, Miller WC. The L test of functional mobility: measurement properties of a modified version of the timed “up & go” test designed for people with lower-limb amputations. Physical Therapy. 2005;85(7):626-35.

Jhaver K, Krishnanand V, Oberoi M. Reliability and Validity of “L” Test in Young Elderly. Acta Sci Orthop. 2019;2(10):28-31.

Ko SU, Tolea MI, Hausdorff JM, Ferrucci L. Sex-specific differences in gait patterns of healthy older adults: results from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. J Biomechanics. 2011;44(10):1974-9.

Balogun JA, Akindele KA, Nihinlola JO, Marzouk DK. Age-related changes in balance performance. Disabil Rehabil 1994;16:58-62.

Samson MM, Meeuwsen IB, Crowe A, Dessens JA, Duursma SA, Verhaar HJ. Relationships between physical performance measures, age, height and body weight in healthy adults. Age Ageing. 2000;29(3):235-42.

Southard V, Dave A, Douris P. Êxploring the role of body mass index on balance reactions and gait in overweight sedentary middle-aged adults: A pilot study. J Prim Care Comm. Health. 2010;1:178-83.