Dynamic Leap and Balance Test: Ability to Discriminate Balance Deficits in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Motor Control
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• The Dynamic Leap Balance Test (DLBT) is a novel dynamic balance assessment involving serial changes in base of support.
• The Y-modification of the Star Excursion Balance Test (Y-SEBT) evaluates dynamic stability with a stable base of support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare dynamic balance performance between the DLBT and SEBT in individuals with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI) versus matched controls.
• To test the hypothesis that DLBT scores would differ between involved and uninvolved limbs in CAI and correlate modestly with SEBT scores.

Main Methods:

• A case-control laboratory study involving 36 physically active adults (18 with unilateral CAI, 18 healthy controls).
• Participants completed the DLBT and SEBT in a randomized order.
• Outcome measures included time to complete DLBT and reach distances on SEBT.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in SEBT reach distances were observed between CAI and healthy groups.
• Individuals with CAI demonstrated significantly longer DLBT completion times for unstable ankles compared to stable ankles.
• No significant correlation was found between DLBT completion time and SEBT reach distances.

Conclusions:

• The DLBT assesses dynamic balance and postural control in CAI subjects differently than the SEBT.
• The DLBT provides unique, clinically relevant information for assessing patients with CAI.
• There is a need for more functional dynamic balance assessment tools.