title: Dynamic balance as measured by the Y-Balance Test is reduced in individuals with low back pain: A cross-sectional comparative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effects of current LBP (cLBP) and LBP history (hxLBP) on Y-Balance Test (YBT) reach and establish relationships between YBT performance and demographic, behavioral, and disability measures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional comparative study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two participants (24 males, 18 females) aged 18-50 years (30.9 ± 8.2 yr) in three groups: cLBP, hxLBP, and healthy controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three YBT trials in anterior (ANT), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) directions.
  
  
  METHODS
  YBT reach (relative to leg length) was measured and compared amongst groups. Pearson correlations were calculated between reach distances and pain, disability, and fear avoidance scores in the cLBP and hxLBP groups and age and activity level in all participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For PL reach, cLBP (94.7 ± 10.6 cm) and hxLBP (94.2 ± 9.2 cm) groups demonstrated shorter distances versus controls (105.8 ± 6.6 cm). For PM reach, cLBP (100.7 ± 8.4 cm) and hxLBP (102.3 ± 7.6 cm) groups' distances were shorter versus controls (109.3 ± 6.7 cm). No significant difference was found for ANT reach (control = 66.4 ± 7.0 cm; cLBP = 66.2 ± 6.2 cm; hxLBP = 66.4 ± 3.1 cm). No significant correlations were identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  YBT performance is reduced in individuals with cLBP and hxLBP in the PL and PM directions but not ANT. The YBT is useful for measuring balance deficits in these populations.
authors: Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. Electronic address: troy.hooper@ttuhsc.edu.
authors: Troy L
authors: TL
authors: Hooper
authors: Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors: C Roger
authors: CR
authors: James
authors: Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors: Jean-Michel
authors: JM
authors: Brismée
authors: B. Ward Lane College of Professional Studies, Lubbock Christian University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors: Toby J
authors: TJ
authors: Rogers
authors: Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors: Kerry K
authors: KK
authors: Gilbert
authors: Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors: Kevin L
authors: KL
authors: Browne
authors: Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors: Phillip S
authors: PS
authors: Sizer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Low back pain; Postural balance; Star Excursion Balance Test; Y-Balance Test