Relationships among the Y balance test, Berg Balance Scale, and lower limb strength in middle-aged and older females

Abstract

Background: Older females have less dynamic postural control and muscle strength than do middle-aged females. Aging-related strength losses may limit balancing performance.Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the Y Balance Test (YBT) and lower limb strength to discriminate between females in 2 age groups, the relationship between YBT distance and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the degree to which performance on YBT distance is related to lower limb strength in middle-aged and older females.Method: The 40 healthy, independently active females were divided into 2 groups: older and middle-aged. The participants underwent measurements of YBT distance using the YBT, maximal muscular strength of the lower limbs using a handheld dynamometer, and the BBS.Results: The YBT distance in 3 directions and lower limb muscle strength for both lower limbs were significantly lower in the older adults than in the middle-aged group. A moderate correlation but insignificant correlation was found between the YBT composite distance and the BBS score. In the older females, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip abductor. In the middle-aged group, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip extensor.Conclusions: Performance on the YBT was influenced by the strength of lower limb. We suggested that YBT can be used to alternative as a measurement of dynamic balance. Proper training programs for older people could include not only strengthening exercises but also YBT performance to improve balance.

Assessment of Postural Stability in Young, Physically Active Men With the History of Ankle Sprain

“…Plisky et al was first to use the YBT, assessing the values of reaching in 3 directions as an alternative for SEBT in a sample of high school basketball players, which resulted in the development and propagation of this method [23]. The test is the resultant of joint mobility range, elasticity and muscle strength, proprioception and neuromuscular control and is used for the assessment of functional postural stability, ability to maintain balance and assessment of the risk of contusion [24][25][26]. The advantages of YBT are a short time of test performance, a standardized protocol and high reliability of measurements, both in terms of repeatability ków kę li ce ali stów Pli sky i wsp., co do pro wa dzi ło do roz wo ju i roz po wszech nie nia wy ko rzy sta nia tej me tody [23].…”

“…The advantages of YBT are a short time of test performance, a standardized protocol and high reliability of measurements, both in terms of repeatability ków kę li ce ali stów Pli sky i wsp., co do pro wa dzi ło do roz wo ju i roz po wszech nie nia wy ko rzy sta nia tej me tody [23]. Test ten jest wy pad ko wą za kre su ru cho mo ści sta wów, ela stycz no ści i si ły mię śnio wej, pro prio cep cji oraz kon tro li ner wo wo -mię śnio wej i słu ży do po mia ru funk cjo nal nej sta bil no ści po stu ral nej, zdol no ści utrzyma nia rów no wa gi oraz oce ny ry zy ka wy stą pie nia kon tu zji [24][25][26]. Uwa ża się, że za le ta mi te stu YBT jest krót ki czas je go wy ko na nia, stan da ry zo wa ny proto kół i wy so ka wia ry god ność po mia ru, za rów no w zakre sie po wta rzal no ści wy ni ków uzy ska nych przez ró -żnych ba da czy (0,99-1,00), jak i po mię dzy pró ba mi (0,85-0.91) [22].…”

“…joint mobility ran ge, elasticity and muscle strength, and neuromus cular control [18,[24][25][26]35]. Lee showed the relationship between the strength of extensor muscles and hip joint abductor muscles and the result of Y-Balance Test in the three assessed directions, in CAI patients [24], while Gabriner reports a robust relationship between the strength of evertor muscles and the range of reach in PL and PM directions [36].…”

“…za kre su ru chu w sta wach, ela stycz no ści i si ły mię śnio wej oraz kontro li ner wo wo -mię śnio wej [18,[24][25][26]35]. Lee wy ka zał zale żność mię dzy si łą pro stow ni ków i od wo dzi cie li sta wu bio dro we go oraz zgi na czy i pro stow ni ków stawu ko la no we go a wy ni kiem te stu Y -Ba lan ce w trzech oce nia nych kie run kach, w gru pie osób z prze wle kłą nie sta bil no ścią sta wu sko ko wo -go le nio we go [24]. Ga bri ner za uwa żył sil ny zwią zek po mię dzy si łą mię -śni ewer to rów a za kre sem się gnię cia w kie run ku PL i PM [36].…”

“…joint mobility ran ge, elasticity and muscle strength, and neuromus cular control [18,[24][25][26]35]. Lee showed the relationship between the strength of extensor muscles and hip joint abductor muscles and the result of Y-Balance Test in the three assessed directions, in CAI patients [24], while Gabriner reports a robust relationship between the strength of evertor muscles and the range of reach in PL and PM directions [36]. Robinson et al [25] and Kang et al [26] proved that a correct range of motion in the iliac joint is ne cessary to obtain high values in the posterior direction in Y-Balance Test while Gribble [12] confirmed the effect of flexion in the knee and iliac joints on the ranges of reach.…”