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Updated: Jul 29, 2026

A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
Published on: April 21, 2017
Inter-limb differences in upper quarter mobility/stability are not associated with performance in competitive
Katharina Borgmann1, Stefan Panzer2, Sam Limpach2
1Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
The Y Balance Test-Upper Quarter (YBT-UQ) did not reveal expertise-based differences in upper limb asymmetry. However, greater YBT-UQ reach distances correlated with poorer swimming performance in some competitive swimmers.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Analysis
Background:
- The Y Balance Test-Upper Quarter (YBT-UQ) assesses upper limb asymmetries.
- These asymmetries can impact swimming performance.
- Investigating YBT-UQ in swimmers of varying expertise is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate YBT-UQ performance and inter-limb differences in competitive swimmers.
- To determine the association between YBT-UQ metrics and swimming performance across different expertise levels.
Main Methods:
- Forty competitive swimmers (ages 10-22) from A, B, and C squads were assessed.
- YBT-UQ reach distances were measured.
- Swimming performance was quantified using the ratio of individual to world best times.
Main Results:
- YBT-UQ performance, not inter-limb differences, varied across expertise levels, with lower-skilled swimmers showing greater reach.
- Greater YBT-UQ reach distances (inferolateral, composite, medial for non-dominant arm) correlated with lower swimming performance in B-squad swimmers.
Conclusions:
- Inter-limb differences in upper quarter mobility/stability are not linked to expertise or swimming performance.
- Increased upper quarter mobility/stability, indicated by greater YBT-UQ reach, may negatively affect swimming performance in certain swimmers.
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