Physical function factors associated with the modified star excursion balance test in healthy university students

[Purpose] To investigate the associations between dynamic balance performance assessed by the modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT) and multiple physical function factors in healthy university students. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-five students from a single university participated in this cross-sectional study. Dynamic balance was evaluated using the mSEBT in the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions. Physical function variables included ankle range of motion, knee extension strength, ankle plantarflexion strength, back muscle strength, skeletal muscle index, trunk lean body fat-free mass, lower limb lean body fat-free mass (leg FFM), and indices of muscle quality. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated, followed by forced-entry multiple linear regression analysis for each reach direction. [Results] Bivariate correlation analysis revealed significant associations between mSEBT performance and multiple physical function variables, including ankle plantarflexion strength and lower leg FFM, across all reach directions. In contrast, multiple regression analyses did not identify any significant independent predictors, although some models demonstrated modest explanatory power. [Conclusion] mSEBT performance in healthy university students may be associated with multiple physical function factors rather than a single determinant. Therefore, dynamic balance performance may reflect the combined influence of several physical functional components.