Y-Balance Test: A Reliability Study Involving Multiple Raters

Abstract

The Y-balance test (YBT) is one of the few field expedient tests that have shown predictive validity for injury risk in an athletic population. However, analysis of the YBT in a heterogeneous population of active adults (e.g., military, specific occupations) involving multiple raters with limited experience in a mass screening setting is lacking. The primary purpose of this study was to determine interrater test-retest reliability of the YBT in a military setting using multiple raters. Sixty-four service members (53 males, 11 females) actively conducting military training volunteered to participate. Interrater test-retest reliability of the maximal reach had intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) of 0.80 to 0.85 with a standard error of measurement ranging from 3.1 to 4.2 cm for the 3 reach directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral). Interrater test-retest reliability of the average reach of 3 trails had an intraclass correlation coefficients (2,3) range of 0.85 to 0.93 with an associated standard error of measurement ranging from 2.0 to 3.5cm. The YBT showed good interrater test-retest reliability with an acceptable level of measurement error among multiple raters screening active duty service members. In addition, 31.3% (n = 20 of 64) of participants exhibited an anterior reach asymmetry of >4cm, suggesting impaired balance symmetry and potentially increased risk for injury.

What Risk Factors Are Associated With Musculoskeletal Injury in US Army Rangers? A Prospective Prognostic Study

“…The maximum score for each limb and reach direction was used for analysis. The lower quarter Y-balance test has shown high interday reliability (ICC = 0.80-0.85) in military populations [33].…”

“…In addition to these measures, results from the most recent Army Physical Fitness Test was collected. Further description of these tests is outlined subsequently and has been reported previously [33,39,40].…”

The Effect of Dynamic Balance Performance on Lower Extremity Injury in Division III Football Players

“…[6][7][8][9][10] Furthermore, prophylactic balance training programs have demonstrated the ability to decrease injury risk. 5,11,12 Together these findings highlight the importance of identifying balance deficits during the prevention process. Single leg balance tests, like the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the newer Y-Balance Test (YBT), are frequently used tools in lab-based and practical research studies that use single leg reach distance to evaluate dynamic balance and postural control.…”

“…4,5 Recent evidence indicates that impaired balance increases an athlete's risk of injury. [6][7][8][9][10] Furthermore, prophylactic balance training programs have demonstrated the ability to decrease injury risk.…”

“…Single leg balance tests, like the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the newer Y-Balance Test (YBT), are frequently used tools in lab-based and practical research studies that use single leg reach distance to evaluate dynamic balance and postural control. [4][5][6][7][13][14][15] Evidence for using the YBT as an injury prediction tool has been encouraging with multiple studies identifying anterior reach asymmetries of over 4cm and composite scores of under 89.9% as strong predictors of injury. 7,8,11,15 As our clinical staff reviewed current evidence on the YBT, concerns of replicating results found in previous studies within our own patient population became evident.…”