Validity and Reliability of Timed Up and Go Test in Dual-Task Conditions for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Validity and Reliability of Timed Up and Go Test in Dual-Task Conditions in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

his study aims to examine the validity and reliability of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) under dual-task conditions, where participants perform both a motor and a cognitive task at the same time. MS affects movement, balance, and cognitive functions, which can lead to difficulties in walking and increased risk of falls.

In this study, volunteers with MS will be asked to perform the TUG test in different conditions:

Single-task TUG: walking, standing up, and sitting down without additional tasks.

Cognitive dual-task TUG: performing TUG while doing a cognitive task, such as counting backwards or word generation.

Motor dual-task TUG: performing TUG while carrying a small object on a tray.

Participants' demographic and clinical information will be recorded, and tests will be repeated to evaluate the reliability of the measurements. The results will help determine if the TUG test can reliably assess both motor and cognitive performance in MS patients.

The study is observational, and no experimental treatment will be given. Participation involves only performing tests and answering questions, taking approximately 25-30 minutes per session. All collected data will be kept confidential.

This study investigates the validity and reliability of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test under dual-task conditions in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic neurological disease that affects motor and cognitive functions, often leading to walking difficulties, balance problems, and increased risk of falls.

Volunteers with MS will be recruited from the Neurological Rehabilitation Unit at SANKO University. Eligible participants will perform the TUG test in three conditions:

Single-task TUG: normal TUG without additional tasks.

Cognitive dual-task TUG (kSKYT): performing TUG while counting backwards in threes or generating words starting with a specific letter.

Motor dual-task TUG (mSKYT): performing TUG while carrying a small ball on a tray.

Participants' demographic and clinical data, including age, sex, height, weight, MS duration, EDSS score, and history of falls, will be recorded. TUG tests will be conducted by two physiotherapists and repeated after one week to assess test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability.

Convergent validity will be evaluated by comparing dual-task TUG results with single-task TUG, 25-step walking test, Mini-BESTest, and a dual-task questionnaire. Known-groups validity will be assessed by comparing results between MS patients who have fallen and those who have not.

All data will be coded and stored confidentially. The study is observational, with no experimental interventions, and each assessment session will take approximately 25-30 minutes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
• Age 18 years or older.
• EDSS score low to moderate (able to walk without assistive devices).
• Willing to provide informed consent.
• Able to perform Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe cognitive impairment preventing understanding of instructions.
• Recent MS relapse (within the past 30 days).
• Use of walking aids that interfere with TUG test performance.
• Other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting walking or balance.
• Any condition that makes participation unsafe, according to the investigato