Utility of the anterior reach Y-BALANCE test as an injury risk screening tool in elite male youth soccer players

Abstract

ObjectivesExamine growth and maturation trends in dynamic balance using the anterior reach Y-Balance test, and its utility as an injury risk screening tool. DesignCross sectional and prospective cohort. SettingElite male youth soccer players. Participants346 players grouped as pre, circa or post peak height velocity (PHV). Main outcome measuresPre-season anterior reach absolute and relative Y-Balance test scores and seasonal prospective lower extremity injury monitoring. ResultsAbsolute reach distances were greatest post-PHV (p < 0.05). Relative to leg length, pre-PHV achieved the highest scores and increased between-limb differences. Significant associations between injury and anterior reach scores were present in pre (OR: 0.94, CI: 0.91–0.98, p < 0.05) and circa-PHV (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.05–1.10, p < 0.05). Increased age (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.04–2.13, p < 0.05) and height (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.99–1.13, p = 0.82) were risk factors post-PHV. No differences in injury occurrence were shown between players with absolute reach difference >4 cm in any group. ConclusionsAnterior reach scores increased injury risk, but associations were small and inconsistent. The Y-Balance should be used with caution as a screening tool in this cohort.