CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION AND VALIDATION OF THE TURKISH VERSION OF THE 25-QUESTION GERIATRIC LOCOMOTIVE FUNCTION SCALE

Introduction: Locomotive syndrome, characterized by gait disorders, loss of balance, and cognitive difficulties, significantly impacts older adults by increasing morbidity and reducing independence. This study aimed to adapt the 25-item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale into Turkish and evaluate its validity and reliability. Materials and Method: The translation process involved forward and backward translations by bilingual experts to ensure linguistic and conceptual equivalence with the original scale. A total of 250 individuals aged ≥65 years participated, completing the Turkish version of the scale alongside functional mobility tests; the timed up-and-go, five repetitions of sit-to-stand, two-step, and standing tests. Participants repeated the scale 1 week after the initial evaluation to assess the test–retest reliability. Results: The internal consistency of the Turkish version was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.952). Test–retest reliability, assessed 1 week apart, yielded an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.974, indicating excellent reliability. Concurrent validity was examined by correlating scale scores with functional test results. Significant correlations were observed (p < 0.001), with Pearson’s correlation coefficients of 0.472 for timed up-and-go, 0.504 for five repetitions of sit-to-stand, -0.871 for the two-step test, and -0.518 for the standing test. These findings demonstrate that the Turkish version is a valid and reliable tool for assessing mobility impairment and functional limitation in older adults. Conclusion: The adaptation and validation of the 25-item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale into Turkish provide a comprehensive measure for evaluating and monitoring locomotor function, supporting early detection and intervention in this population. Keywords: Geriatric Assessment; Locomotion; Aged.