A comparison between performance on selected directions of the star excursion balance test and the Y balance test

Abstract

Context: The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a widely accepted method of assessing dynamic postural stability. The Y Balance Test (YBT) is a commercially available device for measuring balance that uses 3 (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) of the 8 SEBT directions and has been advocated as a method for assessing dynamic balance. To date, no studies have compared reach performance in these tests in a healthy population.

Objective: To determine whether any differences exist between reach distance performance for the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions of the SEBT and the YBT.

Design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting: University motion analysis laboratory.

Patients or other participants: A total of 20 healthy active male participants (age = 22.50 ± 3.05 years, height = 1.78 ± 0.82 m, weight = 79.48 ± 11.32 kg, body mass index = 24.96 ± 2.56 kg/m²).

Intervention(s): Participants carried out 3 trials in each reach direction on each leg on the SEBT and the YBT a minimum of 1 week apart.

Main outcome measure(s): The means of the 3 trials in each direction on each leg on both tests were calculated. Data were collected after 4 practice trials in each direction. Paired t tests and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare reach distances between the SEBT and the YBT.

Results: Participants reached farther in the anterior direction on the SEBT than on the YBT. No differences were observed in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions.

Conclusions: Differing postural-control strategies may be used to complete these tasks. This finding has implications for the implementation and interpretation of these dynamic balance tests.

Figures

Figure 1

Star Excursion Balance Test anterior reach direction.

Figure 2

Y Balance Test anterior reach direction.

Figure 3

Ninety-five percent limits of agreement for anterior reach with left leg (5.08 [–4.69 to 14.85]).

Figure 4

Log-transformed 95% limits of agreement for anterior reach with right leg (4.59 [–7.41 to 16.60]).

Figure 5

Ninety-five percent limits of agreement for posteromedial reach with left leg (0.93 [–11.55 to 13.42]).

Figure 6

Ninety-five percent limits of agreement for posteromedial reach with right leg (0.34 [–9.09 to 9.78]).

Figure 7

Ninety-five percent limits of agreement for posterolateral reach with left leg (0.03 [–10.88 to 10.94]).

Figure 8

Log-transformed 95% limits of agreement for posteromedial reach with right leg (−0.76 [–12.70 to 11.18]).