Relation Y-Balance Test and Lower-limb Strength of Sport Science Faculty Students at the Arab American University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the Y-balance test (YBT) distance and the lower-limb strength of Sport Science Faculty students at Arab American University. Forty (40) collegiate students aged (19.80 ± 1.26) years, enrolled in the second semester of the 2022-2023 academic year from the sports science department, volunteered for this study. The participants underwent MMT (Manual Muscle Testing) to evaluate the maximum muscle strength of the lower limbs, including hip flexion, hip extension, hip abduction, hip adduction, hip internal rotation, hip external rotation, knee flexion, knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion, and ankle plantar flexion). Additionally, they performed the Y-Balance Test (YBT) evaluations in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the means between two groups, specifically males and females, to assess the differences. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to quantify the linear relationships between YBT distances and lower-limb strength. The hip extension was positively correlated with the YBT distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral distances. Furthermore, hip flexion and hip abduction were positively correlated with the anterior and posteromedial YBT distances. Knee flexion and knee extension strength showed a positive correlation with the YBT anterior distance. In conclusion, there was a weak correlation between lower-limb strength (hip flexion, hip extension, hip abduction, knee flexion, and knee extension) and dynamic postural control, as measured by the YBT, and this achieves one of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations in Iraq which is (Good Health).