Reliability and validity of the L test in people with Alzheimer’s disease

Ozkan T., ATEŞ SARI Y., Unluer N. O., Hangun S. F., Karadas C., Eroglu E.

Geriatric Nursing, vol.70, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 70
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.104025
  • Journal Name: Geriatric Nursing
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, AgeLine, CINAHL, MEDLINE
  • Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, L test, Reliability, Validity
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective To assess the test-retest reliability, minimum detectable change (MDC), and concurrent validity of the L test in people with Alzheimer’s disease (PwAD). Design A total of 37 PwAD participated in this study. To assess test-retest reliability, the L test was conducted twice at intervals of seven to ten days. The concurrent validity of the L test was evaluated using the TUG test, Elderly Mobility Scale, 2-Minute Walk Test (2-MWT), and 10-Meter Walk Test (10-MWT). Results Excellent test-retest reliability was shown by the L test (ICC= 0.964). The MDC was found to be 5.77 s. There were moderate to strong associations between the L test and the other outcome indicators (correlation coefficients ranged from -0.410 to 0.763; p<0.05 for all). Conclusion When it comes to evaluating functional mobility in PwAD, the L test shows excellent test-retest reliability. The L test was significantly related to TUG test, 10MWT, 2MWT, and Elderly Mobility Scale in PwAD. The L test is a valid, reliable, practical, economical and valuable tool for assessing functional mobility in PwAD.