Y-Balance Test Research Articles

Investigating the Combined Effects of Fascial Distortion Model Manual Therapy and Balance-Strength Training in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability.

The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is a relatively new manual therapy approach in the field of musculoskeletal physical therapy, and its potential effectiveness in treating chronic ankle instability (CAI) remains unexplored. A randomized controlled trial with 23 participants was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to either the FDM + balance-strength training (BST) group (n = 8), receiving extra FDM sessions weekly in addition to two sessions of BST, or the BST group (n = 7). Healthy controls (n = 8) did not receive any treatment and participated only in pre- and post-test measurements. Objective measurements including Y-Balance Test Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ), Flamingo Balance Test (FBT), Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT), ankle joint range of motion (ROM), and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) were recorded at baseline and the end of the intervention. The results demonstrated significant differences between the FDM + BST and BST groups for supination ROM (p = 0.008) and similarly for WBLT (p = 0.041), FBT (p = 0.40), YBT-LQ (p = 0.023), and CAIT score (p = 0.008). Moreover, while both groups demonstrated significant improvement at the post-test compared with their pre-test for plantarflexion and pronation ROM, WBLT, and CAIT score, the FDM + BST group demonstrated significant improvements in supination ROM, FBT, and YBT-LQ. Our study suggests that the addition of FDM concepts to a BST may lead to enhanced improvements in ankle ROM, static and dynamic balance, and self-reported outcomes in individuals with CAI compared to BST.

Reliability and Validity of the Star Excursion Balance Test for Evaluating Dynamic Balance of Upper Extremities.

Upper extremity (UE) dynamic balance is a significant physical fitness ability, which includes high-level neuromuscular proprioception, joint mobility, force, and coordination. The evaluation methods of UE dynamic balance are insufficient and lack experimental support. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a reliable assessment of dynamic balance and injury risk of the lower extremity. The UE-SEBT is a reliable and reproducible approach for evaluating dynamic balance of UEs. Observational study. Level 4. This cross-sectional study recruited 65 healthy adults. All participants were required to complete UE-SEBT, UE Y-balance test (UE-YBT), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of UE, closed kinetic chain UE stability test (CKCUEST), trunk flexor endurance test (TFET), trunk extensor endurance test (TEET), and lateral trunk endurance test (LTET). Intra- and inter-rater reliability and the correlation of UE-SEBT with other outcomes were measured. Among the participants, the intra- and interoperator reliability of UE-SEBT in all directions and composite score achieved a moderate-to-excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC], 0.729-0.946) reliability. For validity, the UE-SEBT had a moderate to very strong correlation with UE-YBT (r = 0.315-0.755, P < 0.01) and a strong correlation with CKCUEST (r = 0.4-0.67, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the UE-SEBT performance showed weak-to-strong correlations with MVIC (r = 0.26-0.43, P < 0.05). UE-SEBT was also correlated with LTET, TEET, and TFET to varying degrees. UE-SEBT has good reliability and validity to assess UE dynamic balance compared with other tests. UE-SEBT can be used as a clinical assessment method to evaluate UE dynamic balance and injury prevention.

Assessing Differences and Implications of Two Methods for Calculating Outcomes in the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test

Background : The Lower Quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ) is a widely used tool in the field of sports medicine and rehabilitation. Interestingly, there are inconsistencies in the literature regarding the methodology for calculating YBT-LQ outcomes.

Variation in Dynamic Postural Control with Hip Strength Deficit in Young Adults

Background: Balance is a critical component of human movement and stability, particularly in young adults. The relationship between hip muscle strength and dynamic postural control, as measured by the Y Balance Test (YBT), has been the subject of various studies, yet the extent of this correlation remains not fully understood. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the variation in dynamic postural control with hip strength deficits in young adults. It sought to understand the correlation between hip muscle strength and dynamic balance, as well as to explore gender differences in balance performance. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 60 medical students from Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, aged 18-35 years. Participants with no lower extremity ailments or general health issues were included. The Y Balance Test and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) were used for data collection. Strength was graded manually, and balance was assessed through the YBT, which involved forward, medial backward, and lateral backward movements. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with the Mann-Whitney U test applied to assess significant differences. Results: The study revealed significant gender differences in YBT scores, with males showing greater composite reach distances in both dominant (Mean Rank: Males = 46.05, Females = 23.29, P = .00) and non-dominant sides (Mean Rank: Males = 44.95, Females = 23.80, P = .00). However, no significant differences were observed in the YBT scores across grades 4 and 5 in various hip muscle groups (P &gt; 0.05 in all comparisons). Conclusion: The study confirms significant gender differences in dynamic postural control but does not establish a strong correlation between hip muscle strength and balance performance. These findings suggest that other factors, such as training and physical attributes, may play a more significant role in balance. This research contributes to the understanding of balance dynamics in young adults and can guide the development of targeted training and rehabilitation programs.

Using clinician-oriented and laboratory-oriented assessments to study dynamic stability of individuals with chronic ankle instability

To compare the dynamic stability of lower extremities between Copers and individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) using clinician-oriented assessments (Y-balance test, YBT) and laboratory-oriented assessments (time to stabilization, TTS). 90 participants (Copers, 45; CAIs, 45) were recruited and measured by YBT and TTS to evaluate dynamic stability. The difference of dynamic stability between Copers and CAIs was examined using a two-factor MANOVA. Only for females in anterior direction, YBT scores for the AS side of Copers were significantly higher than that of CAIs. For males, the TTS of CAIs was significantly shorter than that of Copers in the anterior, lateral, and medial direction separately. For females, the TTS of CAIs is also significantly shorter than that of Copers in the anterior, lateral, and medial direction separately. There are opposite results when evaluating the dynamic stability difference between Copers and CAIs using YBT and TTS.

FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN (FMSTM) AND BALANCE IN BODYBUILDERS DURING THE DEFINITION PERIOD

The functional movement and balance performances of bodybuilders and the relationship between them arouse curiosity in the definition period where intense restrictions are experienced. The aims of this study were to (a) determine functional movement screening (FMSTM) and balance performance in bodybuilders during the definition period and (b) examine the relationship between these tests. Twelve adult male bodybuilders voluntarily participated in the study. Participants performed flamingo balance test for static balance, upper &amp; lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ &amp; YBT-UQ) for dynamic balance, and FMS TM tests (deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability) for functional movement screening. There was a significant negative correlation between dominant leg static balance and rotary stability (r=-.832, p=.040) and a significant positive relationship between dynamic balance and rotary stability in dominant and non-dominant leg (dominant leg: r=.589, p=.044, non-dominant leg: r=.775, p=003). There was no significant relationship between YBT-UQ composite scores and FMSTM composite scores on both sides in bodybuilders during the definition period. As a result, the FMS TM score is quite low in bodybuilders during the definition period, and the increase in static and lower extremity dynamic balance performance may increase the rotary stability score. Bodybuilders are recommended to practice lower extremity static and dynamic balance exercises in addition to training during the definition period.

Pain and disability were related to Y-balance test but not with proprioception acuity and single-leg triple-hop test in patients with patellofemoral pain: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionPatellofemoral pain is a common complaint between physically active subjects. Patients with patellofemoral pain present limitations to performing daily activities. Pain could alter proprioceptive acuity and lead to movement impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of pain and disability with proprioception acuity and physical performance in patients with patellofemoral pain. Methods: Forty-eight patients with patellofemoral pain [age 31.15 (5.91) years; 30 (62.50%) males] were recruited. Data collected included pain intensity, pain duration, disability, joint position sense (JPS) test at 20° and 60° of knee flexion, and physical performance tests (Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test and Y- Balance Test). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to assess the relationship between the variables. ResultsPain intensity was correlated with Y-Balance Test posteromedial component (rs = −0.32, 95%CI = −0.55 to −0.03, p = 0.029) and the composite score (rs = −0.35, 95%CI = −0.58, −0.07, p = 0.015). Pain duration was correlated with Y-Balance Test posterolateral component (rs = −0.23, 95% CI = −0.53 to −0.01, p = 0.047). Disability was correlated with Y-Balance Test posteromedial component (rs = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.62, p = 0.004). Pain and disability were not correlated with JPS and the Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test. ConclusionPain and disability were related to Y-Balance Test but not to proprioceptive acuity and Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test in patients with patellofemoral pain.

Deficits in neurocognitive performance in patients with chronic ankle instability during a neurocognitive balance task – A retrospective case-control study

ObjectivesTo assess the neurocognitive performance while maintaining balance of patients experiencing CAI compared to healthy controls. In patients with CAI, the affected limb was also compared to the contralateral limb. DesignA retrospective case-control study. SettingLaboratory study. ParticipantsWe included 27 patients with CAI and 21 healthy controls. MethodsThe study consisted of two sessions, namely familiarisation and experimentation, which were scheduled with a gap of at least one week between them. During the experimental trial, both groups performed the Y-Balance Test and Reactive Balance Test once on each limb. Main outcome measuresThe main outcome measures are accuracy and visuomotor response time (VMRT) calculated via video-analysis and with the Fitlight™-hardware and software respectively during the Reactive Balance Test (RBT). ResultsNo data was excluded from the final analysis. Patients with CAI exhibited significantly lower accuracy than healthy controls, with a mean difference of 8.7% (±3.0)%. There were no differences for VMRT between groups. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between the affected and contralateral limb of the patient group for both accuracy and VMRT. ConclusionsPatients with CAI showed lower accuracy, but similar VMRT compared to healthy controls during a neurocognitive balance task, indicating impaired neurocognitive function. Patients exhibit comparable speed to healthy individuals when completing neurocognitive balance tasks, yet they display a higher frequency of accuracy errors in accurately perceiving their environment and making decisions under time constraints. Future research should gain more insights in which other cognitive domains are affected in patients with CAI for a better grasp of this condition's underlying mechanism.

Evaluation of the Value of the Y-Balance Test to Predict Lower Limb Injuries in Professional Male Footballers.

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to identify whether Y-Balance Test (YBT) performance and asymmetry are associated with lower limb injury in elite adult football athletes. A prospective cohort study. Preseason YBT measures were obtained from 121 male footballers participating in National League One across the 2021-2022 season. Lower limb injuries were tracked across the season to determine the relationship between YBT variables and injury incidence using logistic regression analysis. The statistical significance level was .05. The average YBT score was 111.0 (5.8)cm on the left limb and 112.0 (5.5)cm on the right limb, with an average asymmetry of 2.3 (1.4)cm. Athletes with lower YBT scores on both the left (odds ratio = 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 4.8: P ≤ .001) and right (odds ratio = 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 3.2: P ≤ .001) limbs were at a greater risk of injury. Similarly, athletes with greater amounts of asymmetry were also more likely to get injured (odds ratio = 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 3.3: P = .002). Results indicate that lower and asymmetrical YBT scores have a significant relationship with future lower limb injuries in professional male footballers. The YBT offers a simple, reliable, and effective screening tool that can be used by practitioners in football to help identify players at a greater risk of injury before the season commences.

Comparison of Balance Between Badminton and Volleyball Recreational Players with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is an injury that presents persistent instability and “giving way” symptoms. The higher rate of reinjury following an initial Lateral Ankle Sprain (LAS) is associated with the development of CAI, which affects athletic and functional performance. Impairment of musculotendinous receptors following an initial ankle sprain may result in recurrent ankle instability. Some studies have suggested an association between CAI and issues with static and dynamic balance. Comparisons of static balance between recreational badminton and volleyball players and dynamic balance between recreational badminton and volleyball players with CAI are required to provide athletes with the proper balance training exercises. Aim: To analyse the static balance of badminton and volleyball recreational players with CAI using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and a Plantar Pressure Analysis System (PPAS), as well as the dynamic balance of those players using the Y Balance Test (YBT). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted where recreational players with CAI who play badminton and volleyball were screened using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), and 46 participants were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study was conducted in the indoor and outdoor stadiums of NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, Karnataka, India. The study duration was from March 2023 to March 2024. Ethical clearance was obtained from the same university for the study. Following this, static and dynamic balance of each group was assessed using BESS (number of errors), PPAS (sway velocity), and YBT (distance reached by the limb). The static balance between the groups and dynamic balance between the groups were analysed in Jamovi software using independent sample t-test. Results: Following the analysis, static balance between badminton and volleyball recreational players using BESS showed a non significant difference with a p-value of 0.282, while PPAS showed non significant differences with p-values of 0.174 for double leg stance and 0.063 for single leg stance. Similarly, dynamic balance between badminton and volleyball recreational players using YBT showed non significant differences with p-values of 0.467, 0.768, and 0.299 for anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions, respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was no significant difference in static as well as dynamic balance between badminton and volleyball recreational players with CAI. However, it is important to evaluate the static and dynamic balance of recreational players to enhance performance and prevent injuries.

CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE TESTES FUNCIONAIS E AVALIAÇÃO ISOCINÉTICA DO JOELHO EM ATLETAS CORREDORES DE RUA

ABSTRACT Introduction: The assessment of biomechanical changes related to the lower limbs is necessary in clinical practice to measure the potential risks of injury and the influences on existing dysfunction. Biomechanical changes related to previous ankle injuries are known to influence the performance of the entire lower limb. Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate muscle strength tests, performance tests and ankle stability with the Single Hop Test (SHT). Methods: 82 amateur runners were evaluated with isokinetic tests of quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, as well as Y Balance Test (YBT), Weight-bearing Lung Test (WBLT), and the SHT. Results: The results showed there was a significant correlation between the SHT and the YBT in subjects with hamstring/quadriceps ratio (I/Q ratio) &lt;0.55, and the length of the unilateral SHT with the peak torque of ipsilateral knee extensors. Conclusion: The study was successful in correlating the functional tests in question with the results obtained in isokinetic dynamometry. Level of Evidence V; Cross-Sectional Study.

Chronobiological Insights in Plyometric Jump Training: Optimizing Sport-Performance Adaptations for Volleyball Players.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of morning versus evening plyometric training (PT) on performance adaptations in male volleyball players. A total of 30 collegiate national-level young male volleyball players (age = 21.9 [2.1]; height = 186 [4.1]; body mass = 82.4 [4.6]) were randomly divided into 3 groups: morning PT (MPT), evening PT (EPT), and an active control group, each group consisting of 10 subjects. The players engaged in PT sessions twice weekly for a period of 6weeks. The evaluation of biomotor abilities such as countermovement vertical jump, standing long jump, spike jump, block jump, 10-m sprint, T-test, sit and reach, and Y-balance test took place in the morning and evening before and after the intervention. Both the MPT and EPT groups indicated significant (P < .05) improvements in all biomotor abilities from pretraining to posttraining during both the morning and evening testing sessions. Furthermore, the MPT group displayed greater adaptive responses in the vertical jump (P = .001), standing long jump (P = .023), and Y-balance test (P ≤ .01) compared to the EPT group. Time-of-day fluctuations were the same between the MPT and EPT groups at the pretest. Conversely, EPT demonstrated significantly more daytime variations than MPT in the jump, sprint, and balance tests at postintervention (P < .05). Engaging in PT at specific times of the day has a significant impact on biomotor ability adaptations, with a focus on morning being more favorable than the evening for achieving greater gains in jump and balance performance of volleyball players.

The effect of a 12-week functional training program on functional movement patterns and dynamic balance in young elite ice hockey players

Abstract Study aim: This study examined the effects of a 12-week functional training (FT) program on basic movement patterns and dynamic balance in hockey players. Material and methods: Forty-three male ice hockey players aged 16.2 ± 0.76 years, were allocated into the experimental (EG) or control (CG) groups. The EG underwent additional 60-minute supervised FT sessions twice weekly, while the CG had an additional 60-minute team game class and swimming class. Fundamental movement patterns were assessed using the functional movement screening (FMSTM), whereas dynamic balance was assessed by the Y-balance test (YBT). Results: After completion of the FT program, the hockey players assigned to the EG achieved higher results in the deep squat (p = 0.0143), hurdle step (p = 0.0002), in-line lunge (p = 0.0082), shoulder mobility (p = 0.0455), and rotatory stability tests (p = 0.0253), had higher total FMSTM scores (p = 0.0003), and less asymmetry (p = 0.0032) than at baseline. They improved all of the normalized scores in YBT. The hockey players assigned to the CG did not improve their results, but their performance decreased in the hurdle step test (p = 0.0082), and they showed more asymmetry (p = 0.0124) than at baseline. Conclusions: The implementation of FT can lead to significant improvements in fundamental movement patterns and dynamic balance among ice hockey players. This suggests that implementing FT can enhance fundamental movement patterns in athletes and should be considered an integral part of sports training. By integrating FT into regular training routines, athletes across different sports may potentially improve their movement patterns, thereby enhancing their overall performance and reducing the risk of injury.

The Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Sand Versus Hard Surfaces on Physical Fitness in Young Male Tennis Players.

To examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program combining plyometric exercises with acceleration, deceleration, and change-of-direction drillsconducted on sand or hard surfaces on the fitness qualities of young male tennis players. Thirty-one young male players were allocated to a training group performing 12 training sessions on sand or hard surfaces, during a 6-week period. Tests included linear sprint (10-m acceleration with 5-m split times), change of direction (modified 5-0-5 test), vertical jumps (countermovement jump and the 10/5 repeated-jump test), isometric hip abduction and adduction strength, and dynamic balance (Y-balance test). Perceived training loads and muscle soreness were assessed during the intervention. Both training strategies were similarly effective in improving the analyzed fitness components. Group × time interaction effects were noticed, with countermovement jump (P = .032), repeated-jump test (P = .029), and reactive strength index (P = .008) favoring hardsurfaces and 5-m sprint (P = .009), dynamic balance (P < .05), adduction strength (P < .05), and abduction strength (P < .001) indices favoring sand. Furthermore, the sand group promoted greater perceived training loads and muscle soreness (P < .05) than the hard group across the intervention period. Neuromuscular training strategies characterized by a relatively low volume (∼35min), conducted on sand or hard surfaces, promoted similar improvements in the fitness qualities of young tennis players, with selected surface-interaction effects. Training on sand can cause transiently higher training loads and persistently higher muscle soreness, suggesting the need for an adequate familiarization period.

Are physiological, physical, wellness and load decisive markers of starting players? A case study from a professional male soccer team

The study aim was to compare physiological, physical, accumulated wellness and load markers within a European professional soccer team between starters and non-starters. Ten starters (age: 25.1 ± 2.2 years; experience: 7.3 ± 2.3 years) and eight non-starters (age: 26.1 ± 4.6; years’ experience: 8.3 ± 4.1 years) participated in the study. The study was conducted across 20 weeks where 75 training sessions and 15 matches occurred. Wellness (fatigue, quality of sleep, muscle soreness, stress and mood) and load (rating of perceived exertion (RPE), accelerations, decelerations, high-speed running and sprinting) measures were observed. Physiological evaluation consisted of a 1200 m maximum effort shuttle test while physical capacity assessment included isokinetic strength, jump ability and balance tests. Isokinetic tests were used to assess peak torque of both legs (extension and flexion at 60◦/s and 180◦/s), single squat jump and single hop jump were utilized to assess jump ability and Y-balance tests were employed to examine balance. Starters presented significantly higher values for peak torque extension of the non-dominant leg compared to non-starters (p = 0.038, effect size (ES) = 0.996), while non-starters showed higher values for both Y-balance postero-medial and postero-lateral (p = 0.009, ES = −1.309 and p = 0.021, ES = −1.133, respectively). Accumulated duration and RPE were lower for non-starters than starters (p ≤ 0.001, ES = 1.268, and p = 0.022, ES = 1.123, respectively). The physiological and physical tests conducted in this study do not seem to determine the starting status of players, considering that only one test revealed significantly higher values for starters. Despite the lower training and match duration for non-starters, this showed that it is possible to accumulate identical load while managing wellness regardless of starting status.

Effects of Different Endurance Training Models on Players’ Fitness Levels during the National Break in the Football Season

Purpose: This pilot study aims to determine the effects of different endurance exercises, during the 14-day national break during the football season. Methods: Four groups were formed randomly from 44 male football players (age 17-19 years old, stature 179.0±6.16 cm, body mass 70.4±5.53 kg, and body fat ratio 10.6±2.18 %) who regularly train and compete in the youth category of a football team: Small-Sided Games (SSG, n=10), Large-Sided Games (LSG, n=18), Running Without the Ball (RWB, n=8), and Control group (CG, n=8). VO2max (30-15 IFT and Bruce Protocol), balance (Y test), 10-20-30 m sprint, and T-test before and after the 14-day national break during the football season were measured. Heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) followed during the training program. Results: Significant differences were found in SSG (P= .001) and LSG (P= .005) in 30-15 IFT test (P&lt; .05). In the Y-balance test, a statistically significant difference was found in SSG (P= .001) and LSG (P= .001) only. Conclusions: As a result, coaches are recommended to apply one of the RWB, SSG, or LSG training in addition to their routine football periods.

Role of Thigh Muscle Strength and Joint Kinematics in Dynamic Stability: Implications for Y-Balance Test Performance.

The Y-Balance Test Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ) is a widely utilized tool for evaluating dynamic postural control, requiring a combination of mobility and strength. This study aimed to investigate the combined relationship between isometric thigh muscle strength and joint kinematics on YBT-LQ performance. Cross-sectional laboratory study. Isometric quadriceps and hamstrings strength were measured before the YBT-LQ in 39 healthy participants (27 females and 12 males). The test was performed under 3-dimensional markerless motion capture, where joint kinematics were extracted from the maximum reach position from each direction. Three multivariable linear regression models were then used to determine the strongest combination of predictors for YBT-LQ performance. Greater hamstrings strength and increased knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and trunk ipsilateral-flexion joint angles explained 56.8% (P < .001) of the variance in anterior reach. Hip flexion, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion angles were the strongest predictors for posteromedial reach distance, explaining 73.0% of the variance (P < .001). Last, 43.3% (P < .001) of the variance in posterolateral reach distance was predicted by hamstring strength and knee-flexion angle. These results emphasize the importance of hamstring strength in YBT-LQ performance across different reach directions. Additionally, the kinematics illustrate a potential movement strategy for maximizing reach distance on the YBT-LQ in healthy individuals. Clinicians can utilize this information to guide interventions aimed at improving dynamic postural control, particularly by focusing on increasing hamstring strength and testing for impairments in specific movement patterns.

Things to keep in mind when selecting physical assessments in youth soccer: Correlations between test performances, interlimb asymmetries, and effects of maturation.

A range of field-based tests have been proposed for inclusion in physical performance assessment batteries. However, there are obvious time and human resources constraints in applied settings. The knowledge of potential relationships between tests on performance, asymmetries, as well as maturation-induced changes, may help select the most informative and least time-consuming testing battery. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine correlations in performance between different field-based tests, in interlimb asymmetry between those unilateral tests, and between asymmetry scores and test performances, and (2) to determine the influence of players' maturity status on test performances and asymmetries. A total of 309 male youth soccer players completed a nine-test battery including y-balance test, drop vertical jump, countermovement jump, single leg countermovement jump, standing long jump, single leg hop for distance, Illinois agility test, 10 m sprint, and 20 m sprint. The results revealed moderate-to-very large relationships between jump, sprint, and agility performances (r = 0.43-0.94), but weak-to-moderate correlations between these tests and balance scores (r ≤ 0.38). No relevant relationship (r ≤ 0.32) for asymmetries detected through different unilateral tests was found, nor between asymmetries and performance scores (r < 0.29). While maturity status clearly influenced players' performance, a limited impact on asymmetries was evident. Despite the mentioned relationships, the low shared variance between tests indicates that they should not be used interchangeably, and coaches should select those with the greatest specificity for the sport. Asymmetries do not influence performance, but their prevalence and unchanging nature with maturation can be seen as an opportunity for the identification of highly asymmetrical players and the application of interventions to improve the weaker limb, irrespective of the athlete's stage of development. To this end, the single leg countermovement jump might be viewed as an appropriate test in male youth soccer.

Influence of protocol variables on outcomes of the star excursion balance test group (SEBT, mSEBT, YBT-LQ) in healthy individuals: a systematic review.

The "SEBT group," which includes the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), its modified version (mSEBT), and the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ), is used to assess the limits of stability. Interestingly, the testing protocol allows users a considerable degree of flexibility, which can affect the obtained results. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to analyze the impact of different protocol variants within the "SEBT group" on outcomes. Data were acquired by searching 4 databases (MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer Link) focusing on studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals, empirical in nature, conducted on healthy individuals, and examining the effects of various protocol variants on test outcomes. Study quality was assessed with the NHLBI quality assessment tool for pre-post studies with no control group. The calculation method based on the maximum repetition yields statistically significantly higher results compared to other calculation methods. Allowing unrestricted arm movements during the test results in statistically significantly higher scores compared to the procedure that restricts arm movements. The impact of a warm-up, wearing footwear during testing, and using a dedicated kit remains ambiguous. To obtain reliable results, 4-6 familiarization trials are necessary, though fewer may suffice for athletes experienced in performing the test. This systematic review highlights the significant impact of the calculation method and arm movement restrictions on the outcomes of the "SEBT group." The effects of wearing footwear during testing, warm-up, and using a dedicated test kit remain unclear. The required number of familiarization repetitions may varies depending on biological maturity level of the person being tested. Future research should develop a warm-up protocol tailored to the needs of the "SEBT group," and investigate the impact of heel elevation during testing on outcomes. The protocol for this systematic review was prospectively registered in the OSF Registries (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JSKH2).

Implementing Y-balance test and isokinetic strength testing as return to sport criteria in a footballer after ACL reconstruction: A case report

Implementing Y-balance test and isokinetic strength testing as return to sport criteria in a footballer after ACL reconstruction: A case report