Reliability and number of trials of Y Balance Test in adolescent athletes

Abstract

BackgroundThe Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is commonly used to evaluate dynamic equilibrium. The Y Balance Test (Y-BT) is a shortened version of the SEBT where a Y- Balance Kit is commonly used. To date, research concerning the protocol and reliability of the SEBT and Y-BT has been conducted only for adults. ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the protocol (the necessary number of trials to stabilize the results) and reliability of the Y-BT in adolescent athletes. DesignOne-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and reliability study. MethodThe sample of 38 athletes (mean age: 15.6 years) was selected from a football club. A Y-Balance test kit was applied for the evaluation of dynamic balance. The analysis used the values normalized to the relative length of the lower limbs. ResultsAfter six attempts, three consecutive ones achieved stability for all directions and both extremities (p > 0.05). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1), standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change values for the three attempts ranged from 0.57 to 0.82, from 3 to less than 6% and from 7.68 to 13.7%, respectively. ConclusionsIn the study of adolescent dynamic equilibrium using the Y-BT, it is recommended to perform nine attempts (including six trial attempts and three measurements). In order to increase reliability it is recommended that the average of the three measured attempts is analysed.