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Predicting Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test Performance From Foot Characteristics
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation
|February 7, 2020
Summary
Foot sensation and ankle dorsiflexion significantly predict dynamic single-leg balance in the Y-Balance Test. These findings highlight the importance of foot characteristics for assessing injury risk and improving athletic performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Kinesiology
Background:
- The lower quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ) is a key indicator of injury risk.
- Ankle range of motion is known to influence YBT-LQ performance.
- The impact of arch height and foot sensation on YBT-LQ has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if arch height index (AHI), forefoot sensation (SEN), and ankle dorsiflexion can predict the YBT-LQ composite score (CS).
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cohort study was conducted in an athletic training laboratory.
- Twenty general population participants (mean age 35 years) were included.
- Measurements included AHI, forefoot sensation (SEN), weight-bearing dorsiflexion, and YBT-LQ.
Main Results:
- For the left limb, sensation (SEN) and weight-bearing dorsiflexion significantly predicted 22% of the variance in YBT-LQ CS (P = .047).
- For the right limb, AHI and SEN were considered but did not significantly predict YBT-LQ CS.
- Altered sensation and weight-bearing dorsiflexion were identified as contributing factors to YBT-LQ CS.
Conclusions:
- Foot characteristics, specifically sensation and ankle dorsiflexion, play a role in dynamic single-leg balance as measured by the YBT-LQ.
- These findings suggest that assessing foot sensation and ankle mobility is important for a comprehensive evaluation of YBT-LQ performance and potential injury risk.
