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Development of Concise Physical Performance Test Batteries in Young Athletes
Trevor A Lentz1, John Magill2, Heather Myers2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|June 20, 2020
Summary
This study identified key physical performance tests for assessing raw performance and limb symmetry in young athletes. A shorter test battery efficiently screens lower extremity function in pediatric and adolescent populations.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
Background:
- Assessing lower extremity physical function is crucial for pediatric and adolescent athletes.
- Existing physical performance tests can be extensive, necessitating efficient screening tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify principal components of physical function using 10 lower extremity tests.
- To develop a reduced set of tests for accurate measurement of raw performance and limb symmetry in young athletes.
Main Methods:
- Principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to data from 100 healthy participants (ages 6-18).
- Tests included balance, squat, and hop variations, and the Y-Balance Test™.
- Separate PCAs were conducted for raw performance and limb symmetry.
Main Results:
- Two components explained 65.2% of raw performance variance, identified by five tests.
- Four components explained 62.9% of limb symmetry variance, identified by seven tests.
- A five-test battery (BOSU balance, BOSU single leg squat, forward hop, timed hop, Y-Balance Test™) is recommended for screening.
Conclusions:
- Short physical performance test batteries can effectively screen lower extremity raw performance and limb symmetry.
- The findings support the development of concise assessment tools for young athletes.
