SCORING PERFORMANCE VARIATIONS BETWEEN THE Y-BALANCE TEST, A MODIFIED Y-BALANCE TEST, AND THE MODIFIED STAR EXCURSION...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Dynamic postural stability is assessed using the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (MSEBT) and the Y-Balance Test-Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ).
• These tests exhibit kinematic variations and performance differences, precluding interchangeable use.
• A Modified Y-Balance Test-Lower Quarter (MYBT-LQ) was developed to assess comparability with the MSEBT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare reach distances between the YBT-LQ, MYBT-LQ, and MSEBT in young, healthy adults.
• To determine if the MYBT-LQ yields comparable results to the MSEBT.
• To investigate potential similarities between the YBT-LQ and MYBT-LQ.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cohort study involving 28 healthy young adults.
• Participants completed three trials for each direction (anterior, posterolateral, posteromedial) on each leg for all three balance tests.
• Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis test, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) to compare reach distances and assess reliability.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in posterolateral and posteromedial reach were found between the YBT-LQ/MSEBT and MYBT-LQ/MSEBT.
• No significant reach differences were observed between the YBT-LQ and MYBT-LQ in any direction.
• High within-subject reliability (ICCs) was demonstrated across tests for anterior and some posteromedial reaches, with YBT-LQ and MYBT-LQ showing strong agreement in all directions.

Conclusions:

• Reach performance on the MSEBT differs from both the YBT-LQ and MYBT-LQ.
• The YBT-LQ and MYBT-LQ demonstrate comparable reach distances.
• These findings suggest distinct motor control strategies are employed during the MSEBT compared to the YBT-LQ and MYBT-LQ.