Test-retest reliability of the Star Excursion Balance Test in primary school children

Dynamic balance has been considered a fundamental skill at all ages and is required for normal daily tasks, such as walking, running, or other sports activities. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) has been widely used in recent years to identify dynamic balance deficits and improvements and to predict the risk of lower extremity injury. However, no study has demonstrated the reliability of the SEBT in children while they are performing the test in a physical education session. Reliability is needed in all measurement tools in order to provide repeatable and consistent data.

To evaluate the reliability of the SEBT in primary school students in the school setting.

Twenty-four healthy children with typical development were tested twice, 2 weeks apart. The tests were conducted by the same single rater and were performed during the physical education class. The test was performed under standardized conditions during the 2 testing sessions and was performed by each subject with both limbs in the 3 directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral). Four practice trials were performed in each direction before selecting 3 additional distances reached. The best value of these 3 additional measured trials was selected. The paired t test was used to ensure the absence of any systematic bias. Intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and minimal change values were calculated to assess reliability and measurement error.

The paired t tests revealed no significant differences between test-rest scores. Test-retest reliability for all distances reached was moderate to good.

Reliability values suggest that the SEBT is suitable for primary school students. However, it may be more practical and feasible during extracurricular sports participation due to the time constraints and difficulties in using the test in the school setting.