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

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.