Center of Pressure Velocity and Dynamic Postural Control Strategies Vary During Y-Balance and Star Excursion Balance Testing.
Kristen L Jagger, Brent Harper
PMID 38966829WHAT IT FOUND
Dynamic balance tests yield different strategies.
The Y-Balance Test and its modified version produced slower sagittal plane center of pressure velocities than the Star Excursion Balance Test, indicating greater stability from the reach indicator's feedback. No differences appeared in frontal plane velocities.
Key findings
01Sagittal plane center of pressure velocities were significantly lower during the Y-Balance Test and Modified Y-Balance Test compared to the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test.
02Frontal plane center of pressure velocities did not differ significantly between any of the three balance tests.
03The presence of a reach indicator provided proprioceptive feedback that enhanced sagittal plane dynamic postural control.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The sample size was small (21 participants), which limits the generalizability of the findings. The study included only healthy active adults who did not engage in regular sporting activities, so results may not apply to athletes or patients with balance deficits. The Modified Star Excursion Balance Test was performed on an elevated stance plate to match the other tests, but this non-standard surface may have altered visual perceptions or balance strategies. The study was cross-sectional and did not assess the reliability or validity of these findings for clinical diagnosis or progress tracking.
Declared interests
The authors report no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume the Y-Balance Test is universally superior for assessing dynamic balance. The results show it provides more sagittal plane stability due to feedback, but it does not improve frontal plane control compared to the Star Excursion Balance Test.