The Ability of Modified Star Excursion Balance Test to Differentiate Between Women Athletes with and without Chronic Ankle Instability

Sep 15, 2026

The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a functional clinical tool widely used to evaluate dynamic balance in patients with ankle injuries. Because the diagnostic capability of the modified SEBT for distinguishing athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI) from those without CAI remains unclear, this study assessed whether modified SEBT reach deficits can be detected in unilateral CAI. Thirty elite and sub-elite women were assigned to CAI and healthy control groups and tested bilaterally using modified SEBT. Results showed no significant between-group or inter-limb differences, suggesting limited sensitivity, and recommending consideration of ankle range of motion, muscle strength, and pain intensity for interpretation.

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| Special Issue: psychology: Challenges and Current Research | | | | --- | --- | --- | |
ISSN No: 2319-5886 | [Available online at](Available online at www.ijmrhs.com)[ www.ijmrhs.com](Available online at www.ijmrhs.com) | International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 2016, 5, 5(S):210-215 | | The ability of modified star excursion balance test to differentiate between women athletes with and without chronic ankle instability
Asma Razeghi1, Nader Rahnama2 and Esmaeil Shokri*3
1MSc in Sport injuries and Correction Exercise, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran 2Professorof Sport Medicine, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran 3Ph.D.Student Physiotherapy, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of
Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Corresponding email: [shokries@gmail.com](shokries@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is one functional clinical test that widely used to assess dynamic balance inpatients with ankle injuries. Since the ability of this test to detect impairments between athletes with and without chronic ankle instability(CAI) is not clear, the aim of present study was to determine if the modified SEBT could detect reach deficits in patients with unilateral CAI. A convenience sample of thirty elite and sub elite women athletes were selected and assigned into two groups: CAI group (Mean ± SD: age: 25±3.5 years; height: 1.68±0.09 m; weight: 62. 7±7.3kg), and healthy controls (Mean ± SD: age: 26±4.2 years; height: 1. 69±0.05 m; weigh t: 62. 7±7.3 kg).The dynamic balance test was obtained using modified SEBT from both limbs of each participant. The independent sample t-test was used for both between group and within group inter-limb comparisons. There was no significant difference in any directions of modified SEBT between two groups in both limbs. No significant interlimb differences were also observed within both groups. The modified SEBT may not enough sensitive to differentiate between athletes with and without CAI. Other factors such as ankle range of motion, muscle strength and pain intensity should be considered for better interpretation of the SEBT results. | | | INTRODUCTION Ankle sprains are one of the most common lower extremity injuries and the most common injuries in sport[1] . After initial injury, the rate of recurrence may be as high as 80% among active individuals. Altered mechanical joint stability due to repeated disruptions to ankle integrity with resultant deficits in neuromuscular control has been described as chronic ankle instability(CAI)[2] . Several authors have speculated that sensorimotor deficits are the primary cause of CAI and should be the primary target of conservative intervention strategies[3-5] . Aspects of neuromuscular control may be quantified through measures of postural control[2] . Clinicians often use postural control assessments to evaluate risk of injury, initial deficits resulting from injury, and level of improvement after intervention[6] . Postural control deficits during quiet standing after acute lateral ankle sprain and in those with CAI have been frequently reported[7-9], however the sensitivity of these measures has been questioned [10] . One functional clinical test that may be useful to detect deficits related to CAI is the Star Excursion Balance Test(SEBT)[10-12] . The SEBT is a test of dynamic stability associated with lower extremity pathology that may Esmaeil Shokri et al Int J Med Res Health Sci. 2016, 5, 5(S):210-215 provide a more accurate assessment of lower extremity functions than tests involving only quiet standing [1] . This test used widely in ankle problems such as acute lateral ankle sprain[13, 14], evaluate the risk of sustained ankle sprain[15]and CAI[2, 11, 16, 17] . Because this test consisting of 3 trials, each of 8 different reach direction may be very time consuming[11], the modified

FAQs

What was the aim of this study?

To determine whether the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) could detect reach deficits in women athletes with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI).

How were participants grouped and tested?

Thirty elite and sub-elite women were assigned to a CAI group and a healthy control group, and dynamic balance was measured using the modified SEBT on both limbs.

What were the main findings of the modified SEBT comparison?

There were no significant differences between CAI and control groups in any reach directions on either limb, and no significant inter-limb differences within each group.

Sep 15, 2026

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