Y-BALANCE TEST PERFORMANCE IN PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

Abstract

The most common injury mechanisms among firefighters (e.g. slips, trips, falls) are due to loss of balance. The Y-Balance test (YBT) has been reported to be a valid and reliable assessment of dynamic postural stability in a variety of populations. To date, YBT data has not been reported for the professional firefighter population. PURPOSE: To examine YBT performance in professional firefighters. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy, professional firefighters were studied ( age = 35.6 ± 7.0 yr, height = 177.5 ± 8.1 cm, mass = 86.6 ± 15.5 kg, BMI = 27.3 ± 3.3 kg/m2, bodyfat% = 24.6 ± 7.1%, fat mass = 21.8 ± 8.0 kg, fat-free mass = 66.4 ± 11.8 kg, years of service = 8.0 ± 6.2 yrs). Leg length was measured in centimeters from the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) to the medial malleoli of the same leg. YBT reach distances were then normalized to leg length for both legs in the anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions. Associations between demographic (age, gender, years of service) and body composition variables with YBT performance (composite score, normalized composite score and anterior asymmetry) were investigated. Bivariate correlations and multiple linear regression models were used to assess the associations. Statistical significance was set to p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Due to multicollinearity, body-fat percentage and fat-free mass were the only body composition measures included in the regression models. No significant relationships were found between age, years of service, body composition measures and YBT performance. None of the multiple regression models were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, demographic and body composition variables do not appear to be associated with YBT performance. This suggests that physical characteristics do not influence YBT performance in firefighters. Interestingly, as compared to previously reported YBT performance this cohort of firefighters performed more similarly to collegiate athletes, rather than healthy adults. Future research should assess the effects of equipment, physical fatigue, and mental fatigue on YBT performance in the professional firefighter population.