Differences on the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test in High School, College and Professional Baseball Players

Abstract

Decreased performance in lower extremity testing for dynamic balance has been associated with history of ulnar collateral ligament injury in baseball players. Previous research on dynamic balance has identified that test performance is dependent on competition level, however this has yet to be examined in a group of baseball players. PURPOSE: To understand normative values and determine differences in dynamic balance, as measured by the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ), across competition levels (high school, college, and professional) in baseball players. METHODS: All participants in the study completed the YBT-LQ test as part of the pre-participation physical of their respective organizations. For this study, data from 88 High School, 78 College and 90 Professional baseball players was utilized. The YBT-LQ testing protocol was standardized so that each athlete was provided 6 practice trials and 3 performance trials. The maximum reach distance was normalized to right leg length and was utilized for analysis. Performance on the left and right sides were averaged for analysis. One-Way ANOVAs were completed to compare performance for each of the three different directions of the YBT-LQ as well as the composite score. In addition, One-Way ANOVAs were completed to examine potential differences in reach asymmetry for each direction as well as the sum of the asymmetry values. A statistical significance level was maintained at p<0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: Professional baseball players exhibited an increase in performance in the posteromedial reach (p<0.01; 8.3%), posterolateral reach (p<0.01; 8.7%) and composite score (p<0.01; 5.8%) in comparison with High School and College baseball players. In contrast, High School baseball players exhibited an increased reach (p<0.01; 3.5%) in the anterior direction compared to College and Professional baseball players. No statistically significant differences were observed for reach asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: Lower extremity dynamic balance performance differs based on the competition level of baseball players. Competition level specific normative data may be helpful in identifying baseball players at risk for future injuries due to deficits in dynamic balance.