Comparing reach distance between the Y-Balance Test-Lower Quarter and Star Excursion Balance Test: Are practitioners using the correct protocol?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To compare reach distances between the YBT-LQ and SEBT using the correct protocols as outlined by the developers. This will provide an accurate insight on the actual magnitude differences in reach distance between the movement screen tests and will safeguard practitioners on the subsequent use of these outcomes to inform clinical decision making. DESIGN: Observational. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included sixteen healthy female subjects from the university and amateur sports teams. MAIN OUTCOME: Reach distances in the anterior direction (ANT), posterior medial (PM) and posterior lateral (PL) between participants on the YBT-LQ and SEBT. RESULTS: The principal findings highlighted that a statistically significantly greater reach distance on the left and right side for the YBT-LQ compared to the SEBT in the ANT, PM, and PL directions (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the YBT-LQ and SEBT are not comparable tests due to the differences in reach distance and methodological differences. Therefore, previous, and future research using the YBT-LQ and SEBT cannot be used interchangeably. Not following developed guidelines questions the applicability of the findings of reach distance scores to infer on performance and assessment of injury risk.