Directions Of Star Excursion Balance Test Research Articles

Balance abilities in high dynamic-sport athletes with different maximal voluntary contraction

Background: Previous studies have shown that muscle force control during submaximal isometric contractions is associated with the ability of dynamic balance to a greater extent than static balance in healthy adults. However, the effect of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) on balance abilities of athletes with high dynamicsport, which are most popular in Thailand, needs to be addressed. Objective: To determine static and balance abilities of high dynamic-sport athletes at different levels of MVC. Materials and methods: Three groups of high dynamic-sport athletes at different levels of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), were voluntarily recruited using a sports matrix classification. Outcome measures comprised the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Correlations between BESS and SEBT and confounding variables comprised of performance time of the Mcgill core endurance tests (Core), single-leg sit-to-stand (STS) test, and flexibility were investigated using Pearson’s correlation. After controlling for Core and STS, a factorial analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine group differences in SEBT and BESS variables. Results: Athletes with high- and low- MVC had significantly different reaching distances in all SEBT directions (all, p<0.05). Significant differences between the high- and the moderate- MVC groups were observed in anterior and lateral directions (p<0.05). A significant difference between the moderate- and the low MVC groups was found in the medial direction (p<0.05). After controlling for Core and STS, the observed group differences disappeared, except in the posterolateral reaching distance between the high- and the low-MVC groups (p<0.05). A significant difference between the high- and the low-MVC groups was only observed in the total foam BESS scores with tandem stance (p<0.05) and then disappeared after adjusting for Core and STS (all, p>0.05). Conclusion: The observed differences in all SEBT directions among groups and the difference in the total BESS scores between the high- and the low- MVC, which were observed only in challenged conditions i.e., tandem-foam stance, suggested that dynamic, but not static balance performance of athletes with high dynamicsport appears to be associated with the magnitude of MVC. Core and STS, but not flexibility, are considered significant contributions to their balance performance.

Comparing the Effects of Differential and Visuo-Motor Training on Functional Performance, Biomechanical, and Psychological Factors in Athletes after ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Variation during practice is widely accepted to be advantageous for motor learning and is, therefore, a valuable strategy to effectively reduce high-risk landing mechanics and prevent primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Few attempts have examined the specific effects of variable training in athletes who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Thereby, it is still unclear to what extent the variations in different sensor areas lead to different effects. Accordingly, we compared the effects of versatile movement variations (DL) with variations of movements with emphasis on disrupting visual information (VMT) in athletes who had undergone ACL reconstruction. Forty-five interceptive sports athletes after ACL reconstruction were randomly allocated to a DL group (n = 15), VT group (n = 15), or control group (n = 15). The primary outcome was functional performance (Triple Hop Test). The secondary outcomes included dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)), biomechanics during single-leg drop-landing task hip flexion (HF), knee flexion (KF), ankle dorsiflexion (AD), knee valgus (KV), and vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK)) assessed before and after the 8 weeks of interventions. Data were analyzed by means of 3 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA followed by post hoc comparison (Bonferroni) at the significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Significant group × time interaction effects, main effect of time, and main effect of group were found for the triple hop test and all eight directions, SEBT, HF, KF, AD, KV, VGRF, and TSK. There was no significant main effect of group in the HF and triple hop test. Additionally, significant differences in the triple hop test and the seven directions of SEBT, HF, KF, KV, VGRF, and TSK were found between the control group and the DL and VMT groups. Between group differences in AD and the medial direction of SEBT were not significant. Additionally, there were no significant differences between VMT and the control group in the triple hop test and HF variables. Both motor learning (DL and VMT) programs improved outcomes in patients after ACL reconstruction. The findings suggest that DL and VMT training programs lead to comparable improvements in rehabilitation.

Comparison of Dynamic Postural Control in Youth Athletes with and without a History of Lateral Ankle Sprain : A Case-control Study

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the dynamic postural control of youth athletes with and without a history of lateral ankle sprains. METHODS Twenty-eight youth athletes (14 lateral ankle sprain, 14 healthy control) participated in this study. All participants answered the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire and were subject to the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) for dynamic postural control evaluation to collect the joint angles of the lower extremity, a center of pressure (COP) path, and COP velocity. Independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test were performed to analyze the difference between the groups. RESULTS The lateral ankle sprain group (LAS) was found to have a long experience in participating in sports, and low Foot and Ankle Ability Measure scores were identified when compared to the healthy control (CON; p<0.05). LAS was observed with a short reach distance, less hip flexion, and dorsiflexion angles during the anterior direction of SEBT when compared to CON (p<0.05). Furthermore, LAS showed a slower anteroposterior and mediolateral center of pressure velocities in the posteromedial aspect of SEBT and a slower anteroposterior COP velocity in the posterolateral aspect of SEBT when compared to that of CON (p<0.05). There were no differences between the groups with respect to the other variables (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, decreased anterior reach distance of SEBT may be affected by changing the dynamic posture control strategy of the lower extremity joint on the sagittal plane in LAS.

Correlation of eccentric strength of the knee extensors and knee proprioception with dynamic postural control.

It is important for clinicians and researchers to perform dynamic postural control evaluation for predicting musculoskeletal conditions, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship (1) between the eccentric strength of the knee extensors and star excursion balance test (SEBT), and (2) between the knee proprioception and SEBT. Forty healthy young adults participated in this study. The eccentric peak torque (EPT) of the knee extensors, joint position sense, and force sense were measured. The participants also performed SEBT. Pearson's product-moment correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between the variables and SEBT. The posteromedial direction of the SEBT was positively and strongly correlated with EPT (r= 0.74, P< 0.01). The anterior and posterolateral directions were positively and moderately correlated with EPT (r= 0.46, P< 0.01, and r= 0.69, P< 0.01, respectively.). However, knee proprioception was not correlated with all the directions of SEBT (P> 0.05). According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis, EPT of the knee extensors significantly predicted SEBT reach distances. The eccentric strength of the knee extensors seems to be an essential factor in dynamic postural control. However, the knee proprioception did not show a significant correlation with SEBT.

Associations Between Static and Dynamic Field Balance Tests in Assessing Postural Stability of Female Undergraduate Dancers.

Balance testing on dancers has used a wide variety of assessment tools. However, as most field balance tests have been developed for either sport or elderly populations, the evidence of associations between tests and their functional relevance to dance is inconclusive. We assessed possible associations between five such field balance tests . A total of 83 female undergraduate dance students (20 ± 1.5 years; 163 ± 6.6 cm; 61 ± 10.8 kg) volunteered for the tests. They executed the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), the modified Romberg test, the Airplane test, the BioSway Balance System (Biodex, Shirley, New York, USA), and a dance-specific pirouette test. Spearman's correlation coefficients examined relationships between the measures of the balance tests. Results showed strongest relationships between some SEBT reach directions (p < 0.01) and very weak to moderate relationships between some balance tests, including some SEBT directions, Romberg, Airplane, Biosway, and pirouette (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that current tests used to assess dancers' postural stability need further investigation to ensure functionality and relevance.

Acute and Subacute Changes in Dynamic Postural Control After Hip Arthroscopy and Postoperative Rehabilitation.

Hip pain is associated with impairments in postural control and balance. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a reliable and valid method for measuring dynamic postural control. To examine changes in dynamic postural control after hip arthroscopy and subsequent rehabilitation from baseline to 3 and 6 months postsurgery. Case series. Physiotherapy department. Sixty-seven individuals (47 men, 20 women; age = 31 ± 8 years, height = 1.78 ± 0.09 m, mass = 83 ± 15 kg) scheduled for hip arthroscopy to address chondrolabral conditions were matched with 67 healthy individuals serving as controls (47 men, 20 women; age = 31 ± 8 years, height = 1.77 ± 0.09 m, mass = 80 ± 16 kg). The hip arthroscopy group underwent postoperative rehabilitation including SEBT training. The SEBT reach normalized to limb length was collected before surgery (baseline) and at 3 and 6 months after arthroscopy and compared with that of the healthy matched control group. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate whether SEBT reach differed among the 3 time points, and t tests were used to evaluate between-limbs and between-groups differences. The SEBT reach in the hip arthroscopy group at baseline was less than that of the control group in all directions (P values < .001). At 3 months after arthroscopy, SEBT reach increased in the posteromedial (PM; P = .007), posterolateral (PL; P < .001), and anterolateral (AL; P < .001) directions from baseline. At 6 months after arthroscopy, all directions of reach had increased (P values < .001) from baseline. The anteromedial (mean difference [MD] = -2.9%, P = .02), PM (MD = -5.2%, P = .002), and AL (MD = -2.5%, P = .04) reach distances remained shorter at 6 months after surgery in the hip arthroscopy group than in the control group. No difference existed between the control and hip arthroscopy groups for reach in the PL direction (MD = -3.6%; P = .06). Dynamic balance control in the hip arthroscopy group at baseline was poorer than in a matched control group as measured using the SEBT. At 3 months after hip arthroscopy, we observed improvements in dynamic balance in the PM, PL, and AL SEBT directions. By 6 months after arthroscopy, all directions of SEBT reach had improved, but only the PL reach improved to the level of healthy control individuals.

Efficacy of Ankle Supports on Dynamic Postural Control in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability

ABSTRACT Introduction The chronic ankle instability (CAI) that results from a lateral ankle sprain causes balance deficits during quiet standing. Dynamic postural control in patients with CAI can be improved using soft and semirigid braces. Objective This study was aimed at investigating the effects of soft and semirigid ankle supports on dynamic postural stability in subjects with CAI. Materials and Methods Fifteen subjects with unilateral CAI as the CAI group and 15 healthy control subjects as the control group were recruited for participation in the study. Stability indexes (SIs), including overall SI, anteroposterior SI, and mediolateral SI, were determined using the Biodex Balance System (BBS), and lower-limb reach was ascertained using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). These indicators were measured under three conditions: without orthosis, with soft orthosis, and with semirigid orthosis. Results Significant differences in overall SI were found between the affected and healthy feet of the CAI group (P = 0.009) and between the affected feet of the CAI group and the healthy feet of the control group (P = 0.031). The SEBT revealed significant differences between the injured and uninjured sides of the CAI group in the anterior, anterior-medial, and anterior-lateral directions. With the use of soft ankle supports, no significant differences were found between the affected and unaffected limbs of the CAI group in the overall and mediolateral SIs of BBS test and the anterior-medial (P = 0.057) and anterior-lateral (P = 0.07) directions of SEBT. Conclusions The soft ankle support has more effect on the balance of the CAI patients in comparison with the semirigid orthosis.

Ankle muscles activation and postural stability with Star Excursion Balance Test in healthy individuals

IntroductionThe ankle joint, a part of the kinetic chain of the lower limb, plays a significant role in the maintenance of postural stability during bipedal and unipedal balancing activities. This study aimed to evaluate the neuromuscular control of the ankle joint and the postural stability while executing the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), by recording the EMG activity of the extrinsic ankle musculature and the displacement of the center of pressure (CoP). MethodsThe EMG activity of the tibialis anterior (TA), the peroneus brevis (PB) and the medial and lateral gastrocnemius (GM, GL), along with the anteroposterior and mediolateral displacements (APd and MLd) of CoP as well as the plantar pressure distribution of the supportive lower limb were recorded during reaching to the eight directions of SEBT in 29 healthy, physically active college students (15 males and 14 females; mean ± SD of age 25.6 ± 4.5 yrs.; height: 172.5 ± 8.2 cm; body weight: 67.7 ± 13.6 kg; and BMI: 22.6 ± 2.9 kg/m2). ResultsThe tibialis anterior muscle demonstrated the greatest EMG activity during SEBT, followed by the PB, GL and GM muscles. The increased EMG activity of TA and PB during the execution of all posterior-oriented and lateral directions coincided with a decreased APd of CoP and increased reaching distances. The opposite occurred during the execution of all the anterior-oriented and medial directions. The differences among the directions of SEBT regarding the EMG activity of GL, GM and the mediolateral displacement of CoP were, in general, not significant. ConclusionsThe neuromuscular control of the ankle joint and the associated postural stability during SEBT was highly depended upon the activation level of TA and PB, which should be considered by clinicians and sports specialists when using this test for screening and/or rehabilitation purposes.

The Effect Of Core Strength Training On Dynamic Balance And Agility In Collegiate Korfball Players

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of core strength training (CST) on core endurance, dynamic balance and agility in collegiate korfball players. METHODS: Twenty-two college students (age = 20.9 ± 1.4 years; height = 179.8 ± 8.9 cm, weight = 72.4± 12.2 kg) korfball players were randomly divided into two groups as training group (TG, N=11) and control group (CG, N=11). The TG completed CST twice a week, for 8 weeks. The CG trained according to the original plan. Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Illinois Agility Test, and the core endurance tests were used to evaluate all subjects. Paired sample T-test and factor analysis were used as data analysis. RESULTS: There were significant increases in core endurance tests (t=-7.5, p<0.05) and directions of SEBT (t=-3.1, p<0.05) after the experiment in the TG. However, no significant change was observed for agility (t=0.9, p>0.05). In addition, there were significant increases in core endurance tests (t=-4.7, p<0.05), no changes in the directions of SEBT (t=0.8, p>0.05) and agility (t=1.3, p>0.05) CONCLISIONS: The core strength training could improve core endurances and directions of the SEBT in collegiate korfball players, but not in agility. Consequently, if the goal of training is to enhance agility, then CST has limited. (This study was supported by Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities at SWU Grant 1309232)

Relationship between core stability and dynamic balance in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between core stability and dynamic balance in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. A total of 100 females (mean age 59.9±7.5 years; range, 42 to 73 years) with postmenopausal osteoporosis between January 2016 and June 2016 were included in this study. All patients were evaluated for dynamic balance with the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and for core stability with trunk flexion, extension, and Side Bridge Test (SBT). There was a significant correlation between age and the reach directions of anterior (A), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) of the right limb (p<0.001, p=0.009, p=0.012) and the reach directions of A and PM of the left limb (p<0.001, p=0.004). There was no correlation between the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and the reach directions of SEBT (p>0.05). There was a significant correlation between the trunk flexion test results and the reach directions of A, PM, and PL of the right limb (p=0.005, p=0.001, p=0.002), (r=0.277, r=0.333, r=0.308) and the reach directions of A, PM, and PL of the left limb (p=0.008, p=0.016, p=0.005), (r=0.265, r=0.239, r=0.276). There was a significant correlation between the SBT results and the reach directions of A, PM, and PL of the right limb (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.005), (r=0.423, r=0.366, r=0.281) and the reach directions of A, PM, and PL of the left limb (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001), (r=0.418, r=0.356, r=0.316). There was a significant correlation between the trunk extension test results and the reach directions of A, PM, and PL of the right limb (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.006), (r=0.383, r=0.471, r=0.276) and the reach directions of A, PM, and PL of the left limb (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.003) (r=0.407, r=0.401, r=0.297). Our study results showed that age and core stability were associated with dynamic balance in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Functional performance deficits in adolescent athletes with a history of lateral ankle sprain(s)

ObjectiveTo determine if adolescent athletes with a history of lateral ankle sprain(s) (LAS) displayed deficits on functional performance tests (FPTs) and if deficits on FPT were related to the number of previous LAS. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingBiomechanics Laboratory. ParticipantsThe injured group (n = 24) had a history of ≥1 moderate-severe LAS. The uninjured group (n = 34) had no history of LAS. Main outcome measure(s)The average reach distance of three trials in each direction of the star excursion balance test (SEBT) was normalized to leg length (%). The average of two trials of single-leg-hop test (SLHT) was calculated in seconds. ResultsThe injured group performed significantly worse in 3 directions of SEBT than the uninjured group (P < 0.05). SLHT was significantly slower in the injured group compared to the uninjured group (P < 0.05). Statistically significant, strong to moderate inverse relationships were found between the numbers of LAS and each of the three directions of the SEBT (P ≤ 0.01). No relationship was revealed between the number of LAS and the SLHT (P > 0.05). Conclusion(s)Adolescent athletes with a history of LAS exhibit functional performance deficits on the SEBT and SLHT. Therefore, the SEBT and SLHT may provide clinicians cost- and time-effective objective tools.

Effects of Kinesio&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; Taping on Dynamic Balance Following Fatigue: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of Kinesio taping (KT) in inhibiting fatigue and preserving dynamic balance. Male recreational athletes were recruited to participate in this study. Participants were blinded from the group assignment and divided into four groups (Group A; KT and fatigue, Group B; no tape and fatigue, Group C; KT and no fatigue and Group D; no tape and no fatigue) using sequentially opaque, sealed envelopes. Pre and post measurements of Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) composite score and normalized reach distance were used to measure dynamic balance. Adapted Functional Agility Short Term Fatigue Protocol (FAST-FP) was used to induce fatigue. KT was applied to rectus femoris, biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius of the dominant leg. There was a significant change in the SEBT composite score between groups over time (p<0.05) and in time effect (p<0.05). The main effect comparing the SEBT composite score between the group was not significant (p=0.16). Group A (90.10±9.40) and Group B (86.14±10.50) attained lower mean for SEBT composite score compared to Group C (97.30±10.83) and Group D (98.13±9.47) suggests that fatigue have a diminishing effect on dynamic balance. KT application inhibit the effects of fatigue and preserved lateral and posterior direction of SEBT. KT application may lower the risk for injuries in the lateral and posterior directions following fatigue induction.

Effect of core strength training on dynamic balance and agility in adolescent badminton players

The aim of the present study was to investigate effect of core strength training (CST) on core endurance, dynamic balance and agility in adolescent badminton players. Twenty adolescent (age=10.8±0.3 years; height=140.6±4.4cm, weight=33.9±5.8kg) badminton players were randomly divided into two groups as training group (TG) and control (CG) group. All subjects were evaluated with Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Illinois Agility Test, and the core endurance tests. The TG completed CST twice a week, for 6 weeks. There were significant increases in (p<0.05) directions of SEBT and core endurance tests (p<0.05). However, no significant change was observed for agility (p>0.05). The CST resulted in significant gains in directions of the SEBT and core endurances in adolescent badminton players, but not in agility.

Testing Postural Stability: Are the Star Excursion Balance Test and Biodex Balance System Limits of Stability Tests Consistent?

There are a variety of options to test postural stability; however many physical tests lack validity information. Two tests of postural stability - the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and Biodex Balance System Limits of Stability Test (LOS) - were examined to determine if similar components of balance were measured. Healthy adults (n=31) completed the LOS (levels 6 and 12) and SEBT (both legs). SEBT directions were offset by 180° to approximate LOS direction. Correlations and partial correlations controlling for height were analyzed. Correlations were significant for SEBT 45° and LOS back-left (6: r=−0.41; 12: r=−0.42; p<0.05), SEBT 90° and LOS 6 left (r=−0.51, p<0.05), SEBT 135o and LOS 6 front-left (r=−0.53, p<0.05), SEBT overall and LOS 6 overall (r=−0.43, p<0.05). Partial correlations were significant for SEBT 90° and LOS 6 left (rSEBT,LOS·H=−0.45, p<0.05) and SEBT 135° and LOS 6 front-left (rSEBT,LOS·H=−0.51, p<0.05), and SEBT overall and LOS 6 overall (rSEBT,LOS·H=−0.37, p<0.05). These findings indicate the tests seem to assess different components of balance. Research is needed to determine and define what specific components of balance are being assessed. Care must be taken when choosing balance tests to best match the test to the purpose of testing (fall risk, athletic performance, etc.).

The Association between Foot Morphology and Dynamic Balance Performance as Measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test

The purposes of this descriptive study were to explore the association between foot morphology, severity of past injuries and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) performance in recreational runners. We interviewed 20 healthy recreational runners (aged 23-58 years) about their running habits and history of injuries. We calculated arch height index, a measure of foot morphology, from their static footprint. Participants performed the SEBT. Participants with lower medial longitudinal foot arch reached significantly farther on all SEBT directions except for anterolateral. The Spearman correlation (Rs) between arch index and those 7 directions ranged from 0.455 to 0.617 (p values ranging from 0.01 to 0.05). Severity of injuries in the past was not associated with SEBT performance. Assessing parameters that are associated with balance performance can help therapists to understand the underlying impairments leading to decreased or enhanced dynamic balance performance. Researchers and clinicians need to be aware of potential differences in dynamic balance performance in individuals with different foot morphologies.

The Effects of Sex, Limb Dominance, and Soccer Participation on Knee Proprioception and Dynamic Postural Control.

Both female athletes' participation in soccer and associated injuries have greatly increased in recent years. One issue is the 2-9 times greater incidence of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female athletes relative to male athletes in comparable sports. Several factors such as limb dominance and sporting history have been proposed to play a role in ACL incidence rates between male and female athletes. However, evidence about the effects of these factors and how they interact with sex is mixed, and thus no consensus exists. To quantify the effects of sports participation, limb dominance, and sex on dynamic postural control and knee-joint proprioception. Cross-sectional study. University research laboratory. 19 male soccer players, 17 female soccer players, 19 sedentary men, and 18 sedentary women. Joint-position sense was tested using reproduction of passive positioning on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer (30°, 45°, and 60° from 90° of knee flexion). Three Star Excursion Balance Test directions were used to assess dynamic postural control. Normalized reach distance (% of leg length) in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions on each leg quantified dynamic postural control. Average absolute error and constant error for both limbs quantified joint-position sense. Posteromedial reach distance was significantly better in soccer players than sedentary individuals (P = .006). Anterior reach distance was significantly better (P = .04) in sedentary individuals than soccer players. No limb-dominance or sex differences were identified for dynamic postural control, and no differences in absolute- or constant-error scores were identified. Sporting history has a direction-specific impact on dynamic postural control. Sporting history, sex, and limb dominance do not influence knee-joint proprioception when tested in an open kinetic chain using passive repositioning.

Trunk kinematics and lower lumbar spinal loading during paediatric cerebral palsy gait

The purpose of this study was to determine the contributions of strength, dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), plantar cutaneous sensation (PCS), and static postural control to Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) performance in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Forty individuals with CAI completed isometric strength, weight-bearing DFROM, PCS, static and dynamic balance assessments. Three separate backward multiple linear regression models were calculated to determine how strength, DFROM, PCS, and static postural control contributed to each reach direction of the SEBT. Explanatory variables included dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion strength, DFROM, PCS, and time-to-boundary mean minima (TTBMM) and standard deviation (TTBSD) in the medial–lateral (ML) and anterior–posterior (AP) directions. Criterion variables included SEBT-anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. The strength of each model was determined by the R2-value and Cohen's f2 effect size. Regression models with an effect size ≥0.15 were considered clinically relevant. All three SEBT directions produced clinically relevant regression models. DFROM and PCS accounted for 16% of the variance in SEBT-anterior reach (f2 = 0.19, p = 0.04). Eversion strength and TTBMM-ML accounted for 28% of the variance in SEBT-posteromedial reach (f2 = 0.39, p < 0.01). Eversion strength and TTBSD-ML accounted for 14% of the variance in SEBT-posterolateral reach (f2 = 0.16, p = 0.06). DFROM and PCS explained a clinically relevant proportion of the variance associated with SEBT-anterior reach. Eversion strength and TTB ML explained a clinically relevant proportion of the variance in SEBT-posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances. Therefore, rehabilitation strategies should emphasize DFROM, PCS, eversion strength, and static balance to enhance dynamic postural control in patients with CAI.

Effect of Prophylactic Ankle-Brace Use During a High School Competitive Basketball Season on Dynamic Postural Control.

Few studies have evaluated the long-term effects of prophylactic ankle-brace use during a sport season. To determine the effects of prophylactic ankle-brace use during a high school basketball season on dynamic postural control and functional tests. Prospective repeated-measures design. High school athletic facility. 21 healthy high school basketball athletes (13 girls, 8 boys). The order of testing was randomized using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) for posteromedial (PM), medial (M), and anteromedial (AM) directions and 3 functional tests (FT) consisting of the single-leg crossover hop, single-leg vertical jump, and the single-leg 6-m hop for time at pre-, mid-, and postseason. After pretesting, the ankle brace was worn on both limbs during the entire 16-wk competitive basketball season. SEBT for PM, M, and AM and 3 single-leg FTs. Dynamic postural control using the SEBT and the 3 FTs improved over time, notably from pretest to posttest. The left limb was different from the right limb during the single-leg vertical jump. Effect sizes were large for pretest to posttest for the 3 SEBT directions and 2 of the 3 FTs. The 16-wk basketball prophylactic ankle-brace intervention significantly improved dynamic postural control and single-limb FTs over time.

Contributing factors to Star Excursion Balance Test performance in individuals with chronic ankle instability

The purpose of this study was to determine the contributions of strength, dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), plantar cutaneous sensation (PCS), and static postural control to Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) performance in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Forty individuals with CAI completed isometric strength, weight-bearing DFROM, PCS, static and dynamic balance assessments. Three separate backward multiple linear regression models were calculated to determine how strength, DFROM, PCS, and static postural control contributed to each reach direction of the SEBT. Explanatory variables included dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion strength, DFROM, PCS, and time-to-boundary mean minima (TTBMM) and standard deviation (TTBSD) in the medial–lateral (ML) and anterior–posterior (AP) directions. Criterion variables included SEBT-anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. The strength of each model was determined by the R2-value and Cohen's f2 effect size. Regression models with an effect size ≥0.15 were considered clinically relevant. All three SEBT directions produced clinically relevant regression models. DFROM and PCS accounted for 16% of the variance in SEBT-anterior reach (f2=0.19, p=0.04). Eversion strength and TTBMM-ML accounted for 28% of the variance in SEBT-posteromedial reach (f2=0.39, p<0.01). Eversion strength and TTBSD-ML accounted for 14% of the variance in SEBT-posterolateral reach (f2=0.16, p=0.06). DFROM and PCS explained a clinically relevant proportion of the variance associated with SEBT-anterior reach. Eversion strength and TTB ML explained a clinically relevant proportion of the variance in SEBT-posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances. Therefore, rehabilitation strategies should emphasize DFROM, PCS, eversion strength, and static balance to enhance dynamic postural control in patients with CAI.

A High-Intensity, Intermittent Exercise Protocol and Dynamic Postural Control in Men and Women

Deficits in dynamic postural control predict lower limb injury. Differing fatiguing protocols negatively affect dynamic postural control. The effect of high-intensity, intermittent exercise on dynamic postural control has not been investigated. To investigate the effect of a high-intensity, intermittent exercise protocol (HIIP) on the dynamic postural control of men and women as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Descriptive laboratory study. University gymnasium. Twenty male (age = 20.83 ± 1.50 years, height = 179.24 ± 7.94 cm, mass = 77.67 ± 10.82 kg) and 20 female (age = 20.45 ± 1.34 years, height = 166.08 ± 5.83 cm, mass = 63.02 ± 6.67 kg) athletes. We recorded SEBT measurements at baseline, pre-HIIP, and post-HIIP. The HIIP consisted of 4 repetitions of 10-m forward sprinting with a 90° change of direction and then backward sprinting for 5 m, 2 repetitions of 2-legged jumping over 5 hurdles, 2 repetitions of high-knee side stepping over 5 hurdles, and 4 repetitions of lateral 5-m shuffles. Participants rested for 30 seconds before repeating the circuit until they reported a score of 18 on the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale. A mixed between- and within-subjects analysis of variance was conducted to assess time (pre-HIIP, post-HIIP) × sex interaction effects. Subsequent investigations assessed the main effect of time and sex on normalized maximal SEBT scores. We used intraclass correlation coefficients to determine the test-retest reliability of the SEBT and paired-samples t tests to assess the HIIP effect on circuit times. We found a time × sex effect (F(8,69) = 3.5; P range, <.001-.04; η(2) range, 0.057-0.219), with women less negatively affected. We also noted a main effect for time, with worse normalized maximal SEBT scores postfatigue (F(8,69) = 22.39; P < .001; η(2) range, 0.324-0.695), and for sex, as women scored better in 7 SEBT directions (F(8,69) = 0.84; P range, <.001-008; η(2) range, 0.088-0.381). The intraclass correlation coefficients demonstrated high (0.77-0.99) test-retest repeatability. Paired-samples t tests demonstrated increases in circuit time post-HIIP (P < .001). The HIIP-induced fatigue negatively affected normalized maximal SEBT scores. Women had better scores than men and were affected less negatively by HIIP-induced fatigue.