Comparison of the Y-Balance Test and Star Excursion Balance Test: Utilization of a Discrete Event Simulation

Comparing reach distance between the Y-Balance Test-Lower Quarter and Star Excursion Balance Test: Are practitioners using the correct protocol?

OBJECTIVES

To compare reach distances between the YBT-LQ and SEBT using the correct protocols as outlined by the developers. This will provide an accurate insight on the actual magnitude differences in reach distance between the movement screen tests and will safeguard practitioners on the subsequent use of these outcomes to inform clinical decision making.

DESIGN

Observational.

SETTING

Laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included sixteen healthy female subjects from the university and amateur sports teams.

MAIN OUTCOME

Reach distances in the anterior direction (ANT), posterior medial (PM) and posterior lateral (PL) between participants on the YBT-LQ and SEBT.

RESULTS

The principal findings highlighted that a statistically significantly greater reach distance on the left and right side for the YBT-LQ compared to the SEBT in the ANT, PM, and PL directions (p < 0.0005).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that the YBT-LQ and SEBT are not comparable tests due to the differences in reach distance and methodological differences. Therefore, previous, and future research using the YBT-LQ and SEBT cannot be used interchangeably. Not following developed guidelines questions the applicability of the findings of reach distance scores to infer on performance and assessment of injury risk.

Center of Pressure Velocity and Dynamic Postural Control Strategies Vary During Y-Balance and Star Excursion Balance Testing

Background

Dynamic postural control (DPC) describes an individual's ability to maintain balance within their base of support in both anticipatory and reactive balance situations and has been measured using center of pressure (COP) velocity. Common standardized DPC assessments for active adults include the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (MSEBT) and the Y-Balance Test (YBT).

Hypothesis/Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore DPC during performance of the MSEBT, the YBT, and a modified version of the YBT, the MYBT. It was hypothesized that feedback from the YBT/MYBT reach indicator would enhance DPC.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Twenty-one participants (9 females, 12 males, mean age 24.5±1.2 years) performed three trials in each direction (anterior-AN, posteromedial-PM, and posterolateral-PL) on each balance test during one session. The YBT frame was placed atop a force plate for all testing. Frontal and sagittal plane COP velocities (COPx and COPy, respectively) were recorded throughout each trial and resultant COP (COPr) velocities were calculated.

Results

Significant main effects were present for test (F=4.485, p\<0.001) and reach direction (F=61.594, p\<0.001). Post hoc analyses for test indicated significant differences in COPy between YBT and MSEBT (p=0.034) and between MYBT and MSEBT (p\<0.001), as well as significant differences in COPr between MYBT and MSEBT (p=0.002). Post hoc analyses for reach direction revealed significant differences in COPx between AN and both PM (p\<0.001) and PL (p\<0.001) directions, in COPy between AN and PM (p\<0.001) and PL (p\<0.001) directions, and COPr between AN and PL (p=0.043) directions only.

Conclusion

External proprioceptive feedback from the reach indicator improved DPC during the YBT and MYBT when compared to the MSEBT. Sagittal plane COP velocities were reduced when external proprioceptive feedback from the reach indicator was present, while frontal plane COP velocities were not affected in this group of participants.

Level of Evidence

2b.

Predicting Ability of Dynamic Balance in Construction Workers Based on Demographic Information and Anthropometric Dimensions

Background

Difficulties in walking and balance are risk factors for falling. This study aimed to predict dynamic balance based on demographic information and anthropometric dimensions in construction workers.

Methods

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 114 construction workers in 2020. First, the construction workers were asked to complete the demographic questionnaire determined in order to be included in the study. Then anthropometric dimensions were measured. The dynamic balance of participants was also assessed using the Y Balance test kit. Dynamic balance prediction was performed based on demographic information and anthropometric dimensions using multiple linear regression with SPSS software version 25.

Results

The highest average normalized reach distances of YBT were in the anterior direction and were 92.23 ± 12.43% and 92.28 ± 9.26% for right and left foot, respectively. Both maximal and average normalized composite reach in the YBT in each leg were negatively correlated with leg length and navicular drop and positively correlated with the ratio of sitting height to leg length. In addition, multiple linear regressions showed that age, navicular drop, leg length, and foot surface could predict 23% of the variance in YBT average normalized composite reach of the right leg, and age, navicular drop, and leg length could predict 21% of that in the left leg among construction workers.

Conclusion

Approximately one-fifth of the variability in the normalized composite reach of dynamic balance reach among construction workers using method YBT can be predicted by variables age, navicular drop, leg length, and foot surface.