Dynamic stability test as a predictor of lower limb injury risk: pilot study

Abstract

Introduction. Postural control or balance can be defined statically as the ability to maintain a base of support with minimal movement and dynamically as the ability to perform a task while maintaining a stable position (Winter et al. 1990). Factors that influence balance include sensory information obtained from the somatosensory, visual, and vestibular systems and motor responses that affect coordination, joint range of motion (ROM), and strength (Bressel et al. 2007). The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a functional screening tool that is used to assess dynamic stability, monitor rehabilitation progress, assess deficits following an injury, and identify athletes at high risk for lower extremity injury. The SEBT requires lower extremity coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength (Filipa et al. 2010). The SEBT has been used as a mechanism to screen individuals for limitations in dynamic balance (Plisky et al. 2009). Poor performance on the test has been associated with elevated risk for non-contact lower extremity injury (Plisky et al. 2006). Other researchers have reported decreased dynamic balance in patients who have a history of chronic ankle instability (Arnold et al. 2009) or who are ACL deficient (Herrington et al. 2009). Additionally, several researchers have reported that dynamic balance can be modified with neuromuscular training programs, suggesting that it may be possible to mitigate the elevated injury risk that was identified with the SEBT (Filipa et al. 2010). Aim of the study is to analyze dynamic stability of healthy female subjects using Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Methods. A total of 31 female students of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences have volunteered for participation in this research. All participants had no trauma or pain in lower limbs within 6 months before study. Main descriptive characteristics of participants are presented in table 1. [...].