A comparison between performance on selected directions of the star excursion balance test and the Y balance test.
BACKGROUND
The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a widely accepted method of assessing dynamic postural stability. The Y Balance Test (YBT) is a commercially available device for measuring balance that uses 3 (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) of the 8 SEBT directions and has been advocated as a method for assessing dynamic balance. To date, no studies have compared reach performance in these tests in a healthy population.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether any differences exist between reach distance performance for the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions of the SEBT and the YBT.


METHODS
Descriptive laboratory study.


METHODS
University motion analysis laboratory.


METHODS
A total of 20 healthy active male participants (age = 22.50 ± 3.05 years, height = 1.78 ± 0.82 m, weight = 79.48 ± 11.32 kg, body mass index = 24.96 ± 2.56 kg/m²).


METHODS
Participants carried out 3 trials in each reach direction on each leg on the SEBT and the YBT a minimum of 1 week apart.


METHODS
The means of the 3 trials in each direction on each leg on both tests were calculated. Data were collected after 4 practice trials in each direction. Paired t tests and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare reach distances between the SEBT and the YBT.


RESULTS
Participants reached farther in the anterior direction on the SEBT than on the YBT. No differences were observed in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions.


CONCLUSIONS
Differing postural-control strategies may be used to complete these tasks. This finding has implications for the implementation and interpretation of these dynamic balance tests.
School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland. garrett.coughlan@irfu.ie
Garrett F
GF
Coughlan
Karl
K
Fullam
Eamonn
E
Delahunt
Conor
C
Gissane
Brian M
BM
Caulfield
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult