The test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and minimal detectable change of the L test in patients with total hip arthroplasty

Fatih Özden,Gökhan Coşkun,Serkan Bakırhan

doi:10.1186/s43161-021-00038-8

Fatih Özden, Gökhan Coşkun + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43161-021-00038-8

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Abstract

BackgroundThe L test is a modified version of the timed up and go test (TUG) with an L-shaped walking path. The L test is more extensive than other performance tests, especially in turn direction and specific tasks. The study aimed to evaluate the test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and minimal detectable change of the L test in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 33 unilateral and primary THA patients. The L test was performed twice with an interval of an hour on the same day for the test-retest reliability. Timed up and go test (TUG), five times sit to stand test (FTST), and Harris hip score (HHS) were carried out for the analysis of the concurrent validity of the L test.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 74.6 ± 10.3 years. The ICC score of the L test was 0.992. Test-retest reliability was excellent. SEM95 and MDC95 values were 3.39 and 9.39, respectively. Both TUG and HHS were strongly correlated with the L test (r1 = 0.889, r2 = −0.568, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between FTST and L test (r = 0.024, p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe L test is valid and reliable performance measurement in patients with primary unilateral THA. MDC95 of the L test is an essential reference for clinicians in the rehabilitation follow-up process of THA patients.

Highlights

The L test is a modified version of the timed up and go test (TUG) with an L-shaped walking path
The L test developers stated that the test is spontaneously developed while in the training session with their patients. They claimed that they were asked by their patients to “walk 3 m from the clinic’s room and go out by walking 7 m in the corridor, come back from the same pathway.”. We considered that this test could be applicable in the home setting with the same situation in the home and can be of great benefit, especially for older total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients
SEM95 and MDC95 values were 3.39 and 9.39, respectively. Both The timed up and go test (TUG) and Harris hip score (HHS) were strongly correlated with the L test (r1 = 0.889, r2 = −0.568, p < 0.001)

Summary

Introduction

The L test is a modified version of the timed up and go test (TUG) with an L-shaped walking path. Performance-based testing can provide significant benefits in terms of being easy to use, practical, simple, and cost-free for research, clinical examination, and gait analysis [6]. Different tools such as the 10-m walk test, 50-foot walk test, timed up and go test (TUG), and 2-min walk tests are used to assess walking speed, turns, or walking endurance in patients with THA [4, 7, 8]. The 10-m walk test is widely used, valid, and reliable in orthopedic rehabilitation These tests do not evaluate essential parameters of daily activities, such as turning left and right or transfer activities

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