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

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.