540 S. College Ave., Suite 160
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware 19713
Ph: (302) 831-8893
Fax: (302) 831-4468
L-Test of Functional Mobility
Description: The L-test is a timed clinical test of basic mobility.1
Equipment: Stopwatch, Standard Chair with armrests (seat height 46 cm, arm height 67 cm), a
measured distance of 3 meters (10 feet) at the end of the 3 meters make a 90 degree turn and add
an additional 7 meters (23 feet).
Patient Instructions: “On the word “go”, stand up from the chair, walk to the first line (self-selected
speed), turn 90 degrees and walk to the 2nd line, then turn 180 degrees, and return to the chair.
7 meters
End
3 meters
Start
Therapist Instructions: Start timing when the patient’s buttock leaves the chair and stop timing
when they return with their buttock on the chair. During the test the patient will be wearing their
prosthesis; they may use an assistive device.
L-Test Values for Lower-Limb Amputees:
Population
Transtibial
Transfemoral
Traumatic
Vascular
With an Assistive Device
Without an Assistive Device
<55 Years Old
≥ 55 Years Old
**SEM=3 seconds**
Reference: Deathe et al 2005
1
2
Mean +/- SD (sec)
29.5 +/- 12.8
41.7 +/- 16.8
26.4 +/- 7.8
42.0 +/- 17.8
25.5 +/- 6.4
43.3 +/- 17.5
25.4 +/- 6.8
39.7 +/- 17.1
2
Rushton P, Miller W, Deathe B. Minimal clinically important difference of the L test for individuals with lower limb amputation: A pilot
study. Prosthetics and Orthotics International 2014.
Deathe AB, Miller WC. The L test of functional mobility: measurement properties of a modified version of the timed "up & go" test designed
for people with lower-limb amputations. Phys Ther. 2005; 85(7):626-35.