Reliability and Validity of Three DT-TUG Protocols in MS

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.

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