Kinematic and kinetic factors associated with leg reach asymmetry during the Star Excursion Balance Test in division I athletes

Abstract

ObjectivesTo explore which balance and movement factors contribute most to reach distance asymmetry during the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in Division I athletes. DesignCross-Sectional Study. SettingRehabilitation Biomechanics Laboratory, NCAA Division I Athletics Program. Participants36 Division I athletes (20 Male; 16 Female). Main outcome measuresCenter of Pressure, Kinematic and Kinetic variables were measured during performance of anterior, Posterior-Medial (PM), and Posterior-Lateral (PL) directions of the SEBT in order to determine which factors predict reach distance asymmetry. ResultsCOP variables approached significance in predicting asymmetry for the anterior direction (p <0.08), kinematic variables approached significance in predicting asymmetry in the PL direction (p < 0.06), and kinetic variables were significant in predicting asymmetry in the PM direction (p < 0.03). ConclusionsFindings suggest that different strategies could be used to improve leg reach asymmetry based on specific direction of the asymmetry. Improving ability to control COP area seems to be important for the anterior direction, while control of limb movement seems to be most important for leg reach asymmetry in the PM and PL directions.