Reliability and Validity of Three DT-TUG Protocols in MS

Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University40 enrolled

Overview

Dual-tasking is performing two different tasks at the same time. For example, singing while cooking. Everyday activities often involve dual-task. In many researches evaluating dual-task performance in individuals with MS, it has been reported that individuals with severe disability, in particular, exhibit greater effort than healthy individuals. This increase in motor and cognitive dual-task performance in individuals with MS is associated with an increased risk of falls. There is a need for standardized, valid, and reliable assessment tools to evaluate dual-task performance in MS. The purpose of this study is to examine and compare the validity and reliability of the dual-task Timed Up and Go test (DTUG) administered using three different protocols. To this end, this study will evaluate the validity and reliability of the DTUGs-which consist of three subtasks: counting backward in threes, verbal fluency, and ball-carrying on a tray-and compare their clinical applicability relative to one another. For validity analyses, convergent validity will be assessed. For reliability analyses, intra- and inter-rater reliability will be assessed, and SEM and MDC values will be calculated. Additionally, Bland-Altman plots will be plotted for intra- and inter-rater agreement analyses.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis

Interventions

Intra-rater reliability analysisOTHER

For the intra-rater reliability analysis, three DTUG protocols will be evaluated at 7- to 10-day intervals.

Inter-rater reliability analysisOTHER

For the inter-rater reliability analysis, three DTUG protocols will be administered to the same patient by two different physical therapists.

Convergent validityOTHER

To assess convergent validity, the relationship between the measurements from the three DTUG protocols and the results of other balance and functional mobility tests will be examined.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Having been diagnosed with MS according to the McDonald criteria revised in 2017, * Being between the ages of 18 and 65, * Having an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 0 and 5.5, * Not requiring any assistive walking devices. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy; * Having experienced a relapse within the past three months; * The presence of another neurological condition in addition to MS; * The presence of a different disorder that could potentially affect gait parameters; * The presence of visual, auditory, perceptual, or cognitive impairments severe enough to interfere with the test administration

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Dual-task Timed up and go test (DTUG)

The DTUG task will be evaluated in three different ways. The primary task will consist of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The TUG test involves standing up from a chair, walking 3 meters, turning around, and sitting back down. While this test is being administered, secondary tasks will be performed simultaneously, and the time taken to complete the test will be recorded. The secondary tasks consist of a three-count backward counting task, verbal fluency, and a ball-carrying task on a tray.

Time frame: A single assessment will be administered to all participants at the end of the study. The assessment takes approximately 5 minutes.