Using the Star Excursion Balance Test to assess dynamic postural-control deficits and outcomes in lower extremity injury: a literature and systematic review.
BACKGROUND
A dynamic postural-control task that has gained notoriety in the clinical and research settings is the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Researchers have suggested that, with appropriate instruction and practice by the individual and normalization of the reaching  distances, the SEBT can be used to provide objective measures to differentiate deficits and improvements in dynamic postural-control related to lower extremity injury and induced fatigue, and it has the potential to predict lower extremity injury. However, no one has reviewed this body of  literature to determine the usefulness of the SEBT in clinical applications.


OBJECTIVE
To provide a narrative review of the SEBT and its implementation and the known contributions to task performance and to systematically review the associated literature to address the SEBT's  usefulness as a clinical tool for the quantification of dynamic postural-control deficits from lower extremity impairment.


METHODS
Databases used to locate peer-reviewed articles published from 1980 and 2010 included Derwent Innovations Index, BIOSIS Previews, Journal  Citation Reports, and MEDLINE.


METHODS
The criteria for article selection were (1) The study was original research. (2) The study was written in English. (3) The SEBT was used as a measurement tool.


METHODS
Specific data extracted from the  articles included the ability of the SEBT to differentiate pathologic conditions of the lower extremity, the effects of external influences and interventions, and outcomes from exercise intervention and to predict lower extremity injury.


RESULTS
More than a decade  of research findings has established a comprehensive portfolio of validity for the SEBT, and it should be considered a highly representative, noninstrumented dynamic balance test for physically active individuals. The SEBT has been shown to be a reliable measure and has validity as a dynamic  test to predict risk of lower extremity injury, to identify dynamic balance deficits in patients with a variety of lower extremity conditions, and to be responsive to training programs in both healthy people and people with injuries to the lower extremity. Clinicians and researchers should  be confident in employing the SEBT as a lower extremity functional test.
University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 42606, USA. phillip.gribble@utoledo.edu
Phillip A
PA
Gribble
Jay
J
Hertel
Phil
P
Plisky
D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D059549:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D046788:Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; D004856:Postural Balance; D012737:Sex Factors