Physical Therapy in Sport - Comparing reach distance between the Y-Balance Test-Lower Quarter and Star Excursion Balance Test

Q: What was the objective of this study comparing YBT-LQ and SEBT?

To compare reach distances between the YBT-LQ and SEBT when using the correct protocols outlined by the developers, enabling an accurate view of differences in reach distance and appropriate use for clinical decision making.

Q: How was the study designed and where were the participants tested?

The study used an observational design in a laboratory setting, with sixteen healthy female subjects drawn from a university and amateur sports teams.

Q: What did the results show about reach distance measurements?

YBT-LQ showed statistically significantly greater reach distances than SEBT in the anterior, posterior medial, and posterior lateral directions on both left and right sides.

Q: Can YBT-LQ and SEBT be used interchangeably for movement screening?

No. The study concludes they are not comparable due to differences in reach distance and methodological factors, and using them interchangeably can mislead performance and injury risk assessment.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Felix Montgomery

To compare reach distances between the Y-Balance Test-Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ) and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) using the protocols specified by the test developers, supporting accurate magnitude comparisons across movement screening tools. An observational laboratory study included sixteen healthy female subjects. Reach distances were measured in anterior (ANT), posterior medial (PM) and posterior lateral (PL) directions. Results showed YBT-LQ produced significantly greater reach distances on both left and right sides (p < 0.0005), so the tests are not comparable and should not be used interchangeably.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Background and rationale for SEBT and YBT-LQ

Practical limitations and need for protocol adherence

Physical Therapy in Sport 69 (2024) 84–90 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Physical Therapy in Sport journal [homepage:](homepage: www.elsevier.com/ptsp)[ www.elsevier.com/ptsp](homepage: www.elsevier.com/ptsp) | Comparing reach distance between the Y-Balance Test-Lower Quarter and Star Excursion Balance Test: Are practitioners using the correct protocol?
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James G. Bodden , Robert A. Needham , Nachiappan Chockalingam
Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, Staffordshire University, Leek Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2DF, UK | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | A R T I C L E I N F O | | A B S T R A C T | | | Handling Editor: Dr L Herrington | | Objectives: To compare reach distances between the YBT-LQ and SEBT using the correct protocols as outlined by the developers. This will provide an accurate insight on the actual magnitude differences in reach distance between the movement screen tests and will safeguard practitioners on the subsequent use of these outcomes to inform clinical decision making.
Design: Observational.
Setting: Laboratory.
Participants: Participants included sixteen healthy female subjects from the university and amateur sports teams. Main outcome: Reach distances in the anterior direction (ANT), posterior medial (PM) and posterior lateral (PL) between participants on the YBT-LQ and SEBT.
Results: The principal findings highlighted that a statistically significantly greater reach distance on the left and right side for the YBT-LQ compared to the SEBT in the ANT, PM, and PL directions (p < 0.0005).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the YBT-LQ and SEBT are not comparable tests due to the differences in reach distance and methodological differences. Therefore, previous, and future research using the YBT-LQ and SEBT cannot be used interchangeably. Not following developed guidelines questions the applicability of the findings of reach distance scores to infer on performance and assessment of injury risk. | | | Keywords:
Y-Balance Test
Star Excursion Balance Test Movement screening Dynamic balance | | | | 1. Introduction Movement screening tools are commonly used to identify functional deficits that may predispose athletes to injury (Butler, Lehr, et al., 2013; Gribble et al., 2016; Plisky et al., 2006; Smith et al., 2015; Stiffler et al., 2017). The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a unilateral test that assesses dynamic single leg balance in several reaching directions. However, due to the significant amount of time required to conduct the test, modifications have been established and the SEBT typically utilises three reach directions: anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM) and posterolateral (PL) (Gribble et al., 2012). While the PM and the PL directions are associated with injury risk (Attenborough et al., 2017; De Noronha et al., 2013), recent studies have focused on the ANT direction alone due to the higher predictability of lower extremity injury (Bliekendaal et al., 2019; Gribble et al., 2016; Plisky et al., 2006; Stiffler et al., 2017). Alternatively, the SEBT is recommended as a unilateral test to assess movement competency following ACLR (Herrington et al., 2013). Indeed, the SEBT has the ability to identify adaptations on postural control in ACLR patients (Clagg et al., 2015; Delahunt et al., 2013) and in people who are ACL deficient (Herrington et al., 2009). However, while the SEBT has demonstrated good inter/intra-rater reliability (van Lieshout et al., 2016), the practitioner is required to simultaneous record the reach distance whilst ensuring the movement protocol of the SEBT is adhered to (Gribble et al., 2012). This is further confounded by the judgement of the practitioner to accurately mark the reach distance achieved by the participant. Therefore, to address the limitations of the SEBT, a commercially available device was developed known as the Y-Balance Test (YBT, Move2Perform, Evansville, IN, USA).

FAQs

What was the objective of this study comparing YBT-LQ and SEBT?

To compare reach distances between the YBT-LQ and SEBT when using the correct protocols outlined by the developers, enabling an accurate view of differences in reach distance and appropriate use for clinical decision making.

How was the study designed and where were the participants tested?

The study used an observational design in a laboratory setting, with sixteen healthy female subjects drawn from a university and amateur sports teams.

What did the results show about reach distance measurements?

YBT-LQ showed statistically significantly greater reach distances than SEBT in the anterior, posterior medial, and posterior lateral directions on both left and right sides.

Can YBT-LQ and SEBT be used interchangeably for movement screening?

No. The study concludes they are not comparable due to differences in reach distance and methodological factors, and using them interchangeably can mislead performance and injury risk assessment.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Felix Montgomery