Star Excursion Balance Test Scores Research Articles

Influence of quadriceps angle on static and dynamic balance in young adults.

Changes in postural stability may be a reason for injuries in individuals who have altered musculoskeletal alignment. Q angle (QA) has shown to be a predictor for lower extremity injuries. However, the relationship between balance and QA has not been investigated in young adults. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between QA and balance in young adults. Ninety participants performed the single leg stance test (SLST) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) to assess static and dynamic balance, respectively. QA was measured using a manual goniometer. Participants were divided into low, normal and high QA groups. The relationship between SLST and QA was not statistically significant in both eyes opened and closed condition (r=-0.030, p= 0.782; r= 0.031, p= 0.774; respectively). SLST scores did not differ among the three groups in both eyes opened and closed condition (p= 0.781, p= 0.790; respectively). QA significantly correlated with lateral, posterolateral directions and sum score of SEBT (r= 0.240, p= 0.023; r= 0.269, p= 0.010; r= 0.210, p= 0.047). The comparisons among the low, normal and high Q angle groups' SEBT scores showed that balance performance in lateral direction was poorer in low QA group (p= 0.027). The results of the study showed that QA and dynamic balance have a significant relationship. To reduce musculoskeletal injury risk, the dynamic balance should be assessed in young adults who have lower QA.

A comparison of the Effect of Quadriceps Taping versus Patellar Taping on Balance and Functional Performance in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Backgrounds Osteoarthritis (OA) is primarily a disease of cartilage destruction. Knee OA is the most common type of arthritis which can be treated with kinesio taping (KT). Purpose The current study was aimed to compare the effect of quadriceps muscle taping vs. patellar taping on balance and functional performance in patients with knee OA. Patients and Methods 40 patients with knee OA aged from 40 to 65 years entered this interventional study. Eligible participants were randomly divided into 2 groups, the Quadriceps taping group, and patellar taping group. The balance was measured using the modified star excursion balance test (SEBT), functional reach test (FRT), and Berg balance scale test (BBST). Also, functional activity was evaluated using the step test. All variables measured before, immediately after and 24 hr after the intervention in both groups. Results Within-group comparison in both groups showed that KT therapy improved modified SEBT, FRT and step test scores immediately after and 24 h after the intervention compared to baseline, and the difference was more significant 24 h after the intervention compared to immediately after the intervention. However, BBS score was not different in assessed times compared to baseline in both groups. The results of between-group analyses of variables showed no significant differences between the two groups in assessed times. Besides, repeated measure ANOVA showed that time significantly influenced modified SEBT, FRT, and step test. However, there was no group effect on assessed variables. Conclusion Both quadriceps and patellar taping positively influenced balance and functional level of the patients with knee OA. Also, there is no superiority between these 2 methods.

Dry Needling Improves Static and Dynamic Balance in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability

Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) commonly exhibit balance deficits that are associated with dysfunction of the fibularis longus (FL) muscle. Dry needling (DN) is a treatment that targets muscular trigger points and is hypothesized to improve neurophysiological function of treated muscles. The ability of FL DN to improve dynamic and static balance in patients with CAI is unknown. PURPOSE: Examine the effect of FL DN on dynamic and static balance in individuals with CAI. METHODS: Twenty-five adults with CAI (9 males, 16 females; 26±9.42 years; 173.12±9.85cm; 79.27±18kg) volunteered to participate. Participants completed the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and postural control measures before and immediately after a single DN treatment to the FL. The anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions of the SEBT were tested in a random order and reach distances were normalized to a percent of leg length. A composite SEBT score was calculated by dividing the normalized, average scores in each direction by three. Postural control was assessed in single-limb stance on a forceplate through time to boundary (TTB) measurements and calculated in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions under eyes open and eyes closed conditions. A single DN treatment was performed on the FL using a “pistoning” technique. Descriptive statistics (mean change ± SD), paired t-tests, and standardized response mean effect sizes were calculated to compare balance measures before and immediately after the FL DN intervention (p≤0.05). RESULTS: Following DN, significant improvements were identified in the composite (3.98± 4.45%, p<0.001, ES=0.89), posteromedial (4.85±5.75%, p <0.001, ES=0.84) and posterolateral reach directions (4.96±5.49%, p<0.001, ES=0.90) but not in the anterior reach direction (2.11±5.77%, p=0.08, ES=0.37). Under eyes-open conditions, TTB improved in the mediolateral (0.27±0.43, p=0.004, ES=0.63) and anteroposterior (0.84±1.43, p=0.007, ES=0.59) directions., However, no significant changes were identified in any TTB measures with eyes closed (p≤0.20). CONCLUSIONS: FL DN created immediate improvements in dynamic and static balance in individuals with CAI. Future studies should examine the effects of multiple DN treatments and the mechanism behind this therapeutic effect.

THE EFFECT OF NOVEL ANKLE-REALIGNING SOCKS ON DYNAMIC POSTURAL STABILITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY

A dynamic postural stability deficit has been suggested to be present in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Interventions to improve postural control in individuals with CAI have been reported, but they required a long period of and compliance with interventions. To examine the effect of novel ankle-realigning socks on dynamic postural stability in individuals with CAI using the star excursion balance test (SEBT). Case-control study. Twenty-eight control and 22 subjects with CAI (who were tested in both barefoot and with socks) were enrolled. The weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM) and SEBT were measured in the control group, the barefoot CAI group, and the CAI with socks group. In addition, subjective ankle instability during SEBT was measured using a visual analog scale (0 - 100). DF-ROM was 48.3 ± 7.4 º in the control group, 43.3 ± 8.0 º in the barefoot CAI group, and 45.7 ± 6.8 º in the CAI with socks group. DF-ROM was significantly less in the barefoot CAI group than in the control group. The SEBT scores were significantly less in the barefoot CAI group than in the control group in all directions. The SEBT score was significantly larger in the CAI with socks group than in the barefoot CAI group in the posteromedial, posterior, and posterolateral directions. In addition, there were no significant differences between the control group and the CAI with socks group in six directions. Wearing the novel ankle-realigning socks immediately improved dynamic postural stability as measured by the SEBT and subjective ankle instability in individuals with CAI. Level 3b.

Does treatment duration of manual therapy influence functional outcomes for individuals with chronic ankle instability: A systematic review with meta-analysis?

QuestionCan manual therapy improve functional outcomes for individuals with chronic ankle instability? DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. ParticipantsIndividuals with chronic ankle instability. InterventionManual therapy is defined as an intervention that involves joint mobilization, and mobilization with movement. Outcome measureThe primary outcome is patient reported function (PRF) questionnaires scores, the secondary outcomes are ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) and balance control. ResultsFour studies were included (n = 208, mean age = 24.4) in the meta-analysis, with moderate to high quality on the PEDro scale (range 6–8). For patient reported function (PRF) questionnaires, two studies reported significant improvement after six-session manual therapy measured by foot and ankle ability measures sport subscale (FAAMS) and Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT), respectively. For DFROM, one session manual therapy had no significant effect on the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT) (3 studies, n = 147, SMD = 1.24 (95%CI -0.87 to 3.36), I2 = 96%) or non-weight-bearing inclinometer test (2 studies, n = 47, MD = 3.41° (95%CI -0.26 to 7.09),I2 = 43%), while six-sessions manual therapy showed, a significantly positive effect on WBLT(2 studies, n = 80, SMD = 2.39, (95% CI 0.55, to 4.23), I2 = 93%). For the SEBT, one-session manual therapy had no significant effect on overall star excursion balance test (SEBT) score (3 studies, n = 137,MD = 2.05,95%CI (−0.96,5.05), I2 = 75%), while qualitative analysis of 2 included studies showed significant improvement both on the SEBT score and single limb balance test (SLBT). ConclusionsSix sessions rather than one session of manual therapy improves ankle functional performance for individuals with CAI. Trial registration numberPROSPERO CRD42017054715.

Comparison of balance in seated and non-seated employees of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

IntroductionDevelopments in modern technology in occupational settings have resulted in prolonged sitting at the workplace. Prolonged sedentarism may cause musculoskeletal complications and impaired balance. The present study aimed to evaluate balance in employees working in a seated position for more than half of their working day compared with employees working in a non-seated position.MethodsOverall, 100 employees entered the study and were divided into the seated (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 50) and non-seated (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 50) groups. The star excursion balance test was used to measure dynamic balance in the lower extremities. Independent t-tests were applied for between-group comparisons.ResultsThe star excursion balance test scores were significantly lower in the seated position group compared with the non-seated position group.ConclusionsWe conclude that dynamic stability is lower in employees working in a seated position compared with their non-seated counterparts.

An exploration of the use of Inertial Measurement Units in the assessment of dynamic postural control of the knee and the effect of bracing and taping

© 2018 IOS Press and the authors. BACKGROUND: The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a common clinical test that can provide information about dynamic movement, but does not reflect movement quality or postural-control strategies, and does not report kinematics of the lower limb. PURPOSE: To assess the dynamic postural control of healthy subjects using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and clinical SEBT scores to determine the effect of knee bracing and taping. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy individuals performed the SEBT under three randomised conditions (patellar bracing, patellar taping, and control condition (no intervention). Clinical SEBT scores were recorded and normalised to leg length and angular velocities were measured using IMUs during SEBT. Composite scores were calculated as the sum of clinical scores in each direction divided by three. Descriptive statistics (mean±sd) were calculated for each variable and repeated measures ANOVA were used to identify differences between limb (dominant, non-dominant) and condition. MAIN RESULTS: Compared to the control condition, bracing and taping significantly improved dynamic postural control in the sagittal plane by 6% (1.5-10.5%) P = 0.011 and 8% (2.9-13%) P = 0.004 respectively. Bracing significantly improved coronal plane stability compared to the control condition by 9% (3.8-14.1%) P = 0.002, and taping by 7% (1.6-12.6%) P = 0.013. SEBT scores revealed small but statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between conditions in the anterior, posteromedial and composite scores, all showing a difference of between 1-2%. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: Patellar soft bracing and taping can improve dynamic postural stability during SEBT. It is possible to detect clinically important changes in lower limb stability from angular velocity using IMUs.

The relationship between balance performance, lumbar extension strength, trunk extension endurance, and pain in participants with chronic low back pain, and those without

BackgroundChronic low back pain is associated with lumbar extensor deconditioning. This may contribute to decreased neuromuscular control and balance. However, balance is also influenced by the hip musculature. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine balance in both asymptomatic participants and those with chronic low back pain, and to examine the relationships among balance, lumbar extension strength, trunk extension endurance, and pain. MethodsForty three asymptomatic participants and 21 participants with non-specific chronic low back pain underwent balance testing using the Star Excursion Balance Test, lumbar extension strength, trunk extension endurance, and pain using a visual analogue scale. FindingsSignificant correlations were found between lumbar extension strength and Star Excursion Balance Test scores in the chronic low back pain group (r = 0.439–0.615) and in the asymptomatic group (r = 0.309–0.411). Correlations in the chronic low back pain group were consistently found in posterior directions. Lumbar extension strength explained ~19.3% to ~37.8% of the variance in Star Excursion Balance Test scores for the chronic low back pain group and ~9.5% to ~16.9% for the asymptomatic group. InterpretationThese results suggest that the lumbar extensors may be an important factor in determining the motor control dysfunctions, such as limited balance, that arise in chronic low back pain. As such, specific strengthening of this musculature may be an approach to aid in reversing these dysfunctions.

Side-to-side difference in dynamic unilateral balance ability and pitching performance in Japanese collegiate baseball pitchers.

[Purpose] To evaluate the side-to-side difference in dynamic unilateral balance ability and to determine the correlation of the balance ability with pitching performance in collegiate baseball pitchers. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five Japanese collegiate baseball pitchers participated in this study. Dynamic balance ability during a unilateral stance was bilaterally evaluated using the star excursion balance test (SEBT). The pitchers threw 20 fastballs at an official pitching distance; the maximal ball velocity and pitching accuracy (the number of strike/20 pitches × 100) were assessed. Side-to-side difference in scores of SEBT was assessed using a paired t-test. Correlations between SEBT scores and pitching performance were evaluated for both legs using a Pearson’s correlation analysis. [Results] The pivot side showed significantly higher score of the SEBT in the anteromedial direction than the stride side. On the other hand, the SEBT scores in the pivot and stride legs did not have significant correlations with maximal ball velocity and pitching accuracy. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that marked side-to-side difference does not exist in the dynamic unilateral balance ability of collegiate baseball pitchers and that the dynamic unilateral balance ability of each leg is not directly related to maximal ball velocity and pitching accuracy.

EFFECTS OF CIRCADIAN RHYTHM ON BALANCE PERFORMANCE

Abstract Introduction. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of circadian rhythm on dynamic balance performance and to determine the role of physical activity level, body temperature, chronotype, and gender in this possible effect. Material and methods. Forty-two young male and female subjects with different physical activity levels participated in the study. A dynamic equilibrium test, a Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), was conducted at 9:00, 13:00, and 17:00 on three different days with at least two days of interval between tests. The test scores were calculated by dividing the reaching distances by the leg length and multiplying the quotient by 100. The physical activity level and sleep state were evaluated using questionnaires. Before each test, body temperatures were measured orally. Results. The best SEBT scores were found at 13:00 and 17:00 in the male group and in the trained group. The body temperature changes increased parallel to SEBT scores. The scores for the non-dominant leg were found to be significantly different in posterior test directions, and those for the dominant leg were different in anterior directions. Chronotype did not affect the test results. Conclusions. Circadian rhythm was found to have an effect on dynamic balance performance. Body temperature, gender, and physical activity level were also found to play a role in this effect.

Associations Between Functional and Isolated Performance Measures in College Women's Soccer Players.

The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) are functional performance measures capable of predicting lower-extremity injury risk. While suboptimal SEBT and FMS performances are influenced by multiple factors, the contribution of hip strength and flexibility to these tests is mostly unknown. Examination of hip strength and flexibility influences on the SEBT and FMS may direct clinicians to better methods of correcting functional deficits. Determine the relationships of isometric hip strength and hip passive range of motion (PROM) with functional performance measures. Cross-sectional. Athletic training facility. 43 NCAA Division I women's soccer players (19.65 ± 1.12 y; 166.93 ± 3.84 cm; 60.99 ± 4.31 kg) volunteered. All participants were tested bilaterally in the SEBT; the deep squat, in-line lunge, hurdle step, and straight leg raise, comprising a lower-extremity FMS (FMS-LE); hip internal and external rotation PROM; and isometric hip extension strength (HEXT). The mean of the 3 averaged, normalized SEBT scores was used as a composite score. Pearson product moment correlations assessed relationships of SEBT and FMS-LE scores with PROM and HEXT. Significance was set a priori at P < .05. Pearson correlations revealed anterior (ANT) SEBT scores had a low negative association with HEXT (r = -0.33,P = .004) and a low positive association with hip internal rotation PROM (PROM-IR) (r = .43,P = .003). All other correlations were negligible. Flexibility training aimed at PROM-IR may contribute to improved ANT scores. Targeting HEXT and hip external rotation PROM are likely not preferred means of correcting deficits in SEBT and FMS-LE performance.

Hip strength and star excursion balance test deficits of patients with chronic ankle instability.

To examine isometric hip strength in those with and without CAI, and determine the degree of Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) variance explained by isometric hip strength. Single-blinded, cross-sectional, case-control study. Thirty individuals with CAI, 29 lateral ankle sprain (LAS) copers, and 26 healthy controls participated. We assessed dynamic postural control with the SEBT anterior (SEBT-ANT), posteromedial (SEBT-PM), and posterolateral (SEBT-PL) reaches, and isometric hip extension (EXT), abduction (ABD) and external rotation (ER) strength with hand-held dynamometry. The CAI and LAS coper groups' involved limbs and randomly selected limbs in controls were tested. Separate Kruskal-Wallis tests compared SEBT scores and isometric hip strength between groups. Backwards linear regression models determined the degree of SEBT variance explained by isometric hip strength. Statistical significance was set a priori at P<0.05. The CAI group had lower SEBT-ANT scores compared to LAS copers (P=0.03) and controls (P=0.03). The CAI group had lower ABD compared to LAS copers (P=0.03) and controls (P=0.02). The CAI group had lower ER compared to LAS copers (P=0.01) and controls (P=0.01). ER (R2=0.25, P=0.01) and ABD (R2=0.25, P=0.01) explained 25% of the CAI group's SEBT-PM and SEBT-PL variances, respectively. The CAI group had deficient dynamic postural control and isometric hip strength compared to LAS copers and controls. Additionally, the CAI group's isometric hip strength significantly influenced dynamic postural control performance. Future CAI rehabilitation strategies should consider hip muscular strengthening to facilitate improvements in dynamic postural control.

Influence of strength and proprioception training on functional ankle stability among young skaters

Background: Stability of the ankle joint during functional activities depends on the presence of intact neural input from proprioceptors in the joint capsules, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and skin. Roller skaters are prone for more ankle injuries due to the nature of the sport. Repetitive falls and sprains lead to deficits that account for decreased performance and increased risk of falls. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of strength and proprioceptive training on functional ankle stability among young skaters. Design: This was a single arm pre- and post-experimental study. Settings: The study was conducted at two skating academies of Belagavi, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: Forty-five skaters in the age group of 10–18 years were recruited in the study. Intervention: The strength and proprioception training protocol was given for 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks with each session lasting for 45 min. Measurements: The participants were assessed for three-time points that are week 1, week 3, and week 6. The functional ankle stability was measured using Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), strength of the dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, invertors, and evertors were checked using Push-Pull Dynamometer, and balance was assessed using Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Results: The mean age of participants was 12.91 ± 2.26 years with more male participants than females. There was a significant finding in CAIT at all three-time points with maximum changes at the end of week 6. Both sides showed significant changes with more pronounced readings on the left side. There was statistically significant increase in the strength of all four groups of muscles, but the dorsiflexors strength remained more than the other muscle groups with more percentage change on the left side. The subjects significantly improved on SEBT scores in all the components which were statistically significant. Five components of SEBT showed more percentage of change on the left as compared to the right side. Conclusion: The study concluded that the strength and proprioceptive training protocol has shown statistically significant improvement in the functional stability scores, strength, and balance.

Effect of a 4-week balance exercise with medio-lateral unstable sole on ankle joint functional ability.

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of 4-week of balance exercise with medio-lateral unstable sole on ankle muscle activation and functional ability. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty university students without current or past ankle injuries were assigned to either an experimental group or control group. The experimental group participated in a balance exercise program 3 times a week over 4 weeks, which consisted of one-leg stands and semi-squat exercises with medio-lateral unstable sole. The control group continued with their regular life activities without participation in the program. Electromyographic activities of peroneus longus and brevis muscles were recorded during stair descending immediately before and after the exercise program. Functional balance was tested with the Star Excursion Balance test immediately before and after the exercise program. Paired t-tests were used to assess statistical significance. [Results] Activation of peroneus longus and brevis and Star Excursion Balance Test scores in both groups did not show a significant difference between pre- and post-exercise. [Conclusion] A future study is suggested with increased level of medio-lateral perturbation during outcome measurements and exercises with addition of supervision in the exercise training and home program.

Relationship between gluteal muscle strength and balance in individuals with chronic ankle instability

INTRODUCTION: Gluteal muscle control plays a vital role in the entire lower extremity kinematics and their weakness is observed in individuals with an ankle sprain. However, the relationship between gluteal muscle strength and balance in individuals with chronic ankle instability is not known. METH ODS: Thirty-two individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) participated in the study (mean age = 24±2 years, height = 154.1±6.3 cms). Maximal isometric strength (lbs) of gluteal medius and gluteus maximus was measured using hand-held dynamometer. Balance was measured using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the reach distances were calculated normalizing to limb length. Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation was used to examine the relationship between gluteal muscle strength and balance. RESULTS: Mean composite SEBT test scores were (Mean/SD = 96.13/7.32) and were positively correlated with isometric gluteal muscle strength scores (G med Mean/SD = 25.6/8.4 lbs, G max Mean/SD = 31.4 /6.3 lbs). There was a good relationship between gluteus medius strength and balance scores and a weak relationship between gluteus maximus strength and SEBT scores in individuals with CAI. CONCLUSION: The present study found that there is moderate to a good relationship between isometric gluteal muscle strength and balance in participants with chronic ankle stability.

Time-dependent postural control adaptations following a neuromuscular warm-up in female handball players: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFemale handball athletes are at a particular risk of sustaining lower extremity injuries. The study examines time-dependent adaptations of static and dynamic balance as potential injury risk factors to a specific warm-up program focusing on neuromuscular control.MethodsFourty one (24.0 ± 5.9 years) female handball athletes were randomized to an intervention or control group. The intervention group implemented a 15-min specific neuromuscular warm-up program, three times per week for eleven weeks, whereas the control group continued with their regular warm-up. Balance was assessed at five time points. Measures included the star excursion balance test (SEBT), and center of pressure (COP) sway velocity during single-leg standing.ResultsNo baseline differences existed between groups in demographic data. Adherence to neuromuscular warm-up was 88.7 %. Mean COP sway velocity decreased significantly over time in the intervention group (−14.4 %; p < .001), but not in the control group (−6.2 %; p = 0.056). However, these effects did not differ significantly between groups (p = .098). Mean changes over time in the SEBT score were significantly greater (p = .014) in the intervention group (+5.48) compared to the control group (+3.45). Paired t-tests revealed that the first significant balance improvements were observed after 6 weeks of training.ConclusionsA neuromuscular warm-up positively influences balance variables associated with an increased risk of lower extremity injuries in female handball athletes. The course of adaptations suggests that a training volume of 15 min, three times weekly over at least six weeks produces measurable changes.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered on 4th October 2016. Registry: clinicaltrials.gov. Trial number: NCT02925377.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13102-016-0058-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Variations in Star Excursion Balance Test Performance Between High School and Collegiate Football Players.

The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a reliable inexpensive tool used to assess dynamic postural control deficits and efficacy in the prediction of musculoskeletal injuries, but with little previous consideration for performance differences across age and skill levels. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in SEBT scores between high school and collegiate football players. Three-hundred eighteen high school football players and 180 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate football players volunteered to participate. Star Excursion Balance Test scores were obtained bilaterally for anterior (ANT), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) directions, and for an overall composite (COMP) score. The mean of 3 trials from each leg was normalized to stance leg length and presented as a percentage score. Bilaterally averaged scores were compared between high school and collegiate football players using separate independent t-tests. A multiple linear backward regression determined the amount of variance in SEBT scores explained by age, mass, and height. Compared with collegiate athletes, high school athletes had lower PL (72.8 ± 11.4% vs. 77.1 ± 10.2%; p < 0.001), PM (83.5 ± 10.2% vs. 86.7 ± 10.7%; p = 0.001), and COMP (75.4 ± 8.5% vs. 78.0 ± 7.4%; p = 0.001) scores. Anterior scores did not differ between high school (69.9 ± 7.9%) and collegiate (70.3 ± 7.1%) athletes (p = 0.545). Age, mass, and height were not meaningful contributors to ANT (R = 0.089; p < 0.001), PL (R = 0.032; p < 0.001), PM (R = 0.030; p = 0.002), and COMP (R = 0.048; p < 0.001) variances. Disparity between high school and collegiate athletes should be considered when using the SEBT to identify risk of or deficits related to lower extremity injury in football players.

Star Excursion Balance Test Predicts Performance On Lower-Limb Movement Tests In Women With Knee Pain

Dynamic postural control is achieved by maintaining a stable base of support whilst undertaking upright tasks. For individuals with lower limb injury or pain, an inability to control balance may be a contributing factor to their condition. Nonetheless, clinicians tend to consider that poor movement patterns arising during functional movement tests are due to a lack of control (e.g. at the hip or knee), which undermines the contribution of global balance to observed movement patterns. PURPOSE: To determine the contribution of postural control to performance on 3 common functional movement tests. METHODS: Women with anterior knee pain (AKP) and age- and sex-matched uninjured controls were recruited. Dynamic postural control was examined using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) where participants stood on their most affected leg and reached for maximal distance with the other leg in 8 directions. SEBT scores were normalised to leg length, summed for an overall score, and also separated into scores for ‘away’ and ‘toward’ the affected leg. Participants also performed 3 common lower limb musculoskeletal screening tests, including a single leg squat (SLS), single leg hop (SLH) and drop vertical jump (DVJ). Each test was captured using 2D video and rated for movement quality using a validated global 10-point ordinal scale by 10 trained physical therapists. Mean ratings of performance for each participant and test were compared between groups using one-way ANOVA. Linear regression was used to determine the ability of SEBT scores to predict lower limb function. RESULTS: Ten women with AKP (age: 23.2±2.8 years) and 10 women free from musculoskeletal impairment (age: 23.1±1.8 years) participated. Total SEBT score (345±32cm vs 377±19cm, p=0.015) and SEBT score ‘away’ from the affected leg (134±10cm vs 150±8cm, p=0.002) were lower for those with AKP compared to controls. There was no difference in SEBT score ‘toward’ the affected leg for the AKP group compared to the controls (121±15cm vs 131±9cm, p=0.114). Total SEBT score predicted variance in SLS performance (R2 = 0.525, p< 0.001); but not SLH (p=0.861) or DVJ performance (p=0.335). CONCLUSION: Young adult women with AKP exhibit poorer lower limb dynamic postural control than healthy controls. Further, balance is positively related to single leg squat performance.

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.

English

Objective: To compare the effects of foot muscle strengthening exercises with and without elastic band to the dynamic balance function in children aged 8–12 years with flexible flatfeet. Methods: Forty-one children (aged 8–12 years) with flexible flatfeet and dynamic balance problem were randomly allocated into either the intervention or control group. Both groups received thrice weekly training for 6 weeks. The foot strengthening exercise regimens consisted of pronation, supination, short foot, and tiptoeing using elastic band for the intervention group and without elastic band for the control group. Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was tested before and after 6 weeks of training. Results: A statistically significant difference of normalized SEBT scores was found for both groups in both legs (p=0.00, p<0.05). The intervention group was significantly better than the control group for both right and left legs (p=0.00, p<0.05). Conclusions: Foot muscle strengthening either with or without elastic band improves dynamic balance in children aged 8–12 years with flexible flatfeet. Exercise given with elastic band significantly shows better improvement in the dynamic balance compared to without elastic band. Keywords: Flexible flatfeet, strengthening exercises, elastic band, dynamic balance, star excursion balance test DOI: 10.15850/ijihs.v3n1.404