Yildiz denge testini etkileyen faktörlerin arastirilmasi

Purpose: Star excursion balance test (SEBT) is a dynamic test that includes components of balance, proprioception and muscle coordination. There is no consensus in the literature on the factors affecting the test, which is frequently used to evaluate lower extremity functional performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the factors on SEBT outcomes in healthy physically active individuals. Methods: Fifty one physically active healthy individuals (30 males, 21 females) were included in this study (age=22.74±1.93 years; body mass index=22.52±2.29 kg/m2, Tegner score >5). Anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions were chosen to evaluate SEBT, and reach distances was recorded. Lower extremity length, gastrocnemius/soleus flexibility, dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), and quadriceps muscle strength were evaluated. Linear regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results: Lower extremity length showed a moderate and positive correlation with all directions in the SEBT (Anterior r=0.44, r2=0.19, p<0.001; posteromedial r=0.40, r2=0.15, p=0.004; posterolateral r=0.40, r2=0.16, p=0.003). There was no correlation between gastrocnemius/soleus muscle flexibility and SEBT reach distances (p>0.05). The DFROM showed a moderate and positive relationship with anterior direction (r=0.31, r2=0.01 p=0.03), and no significant relationship was found for posteromedial and posterolateral directions (p>0.05). There was no correlation between quadriceps muscle strength and SEBT reach distances (p>0.05). Conclusion: The SEBT outcomes should be normalized to lower extremity length while comparing the test outcomes between individuals. In addition, when the deficit is observed for anterior reach direction, ankle DFROM should be assessed to better undertand the deficits in anterior reach distances.