The Y Balance Test – How and Why to Do it?

Abstract

Neuromuscular control of the lower limbs has been explored in the liturgy in an attempt to elucidate possible causes and mechanisms of lower limb injuries. Among other instruments, the Y Balance Test has been used to evaluate neuromuscular control, mobility and stability of lower limbs and hip. The device used to perform the test uses the anterior posteromedial and posterolateral components of the Star Excursion Balance Test, the test that gave rise to the Y Balance Test. During the test, the individual needs a maximum distance in each direction in a stable way without leaving the posture indicated by the evaluator. To express a reach distance as a division of the length, are calculated as normalized distances of each direction for each lower limb, asymmetry between the limbs, and a composite score of the whole test. Asymmetries with a value equal to or higher than 4 cm and/or composite score below 94% are related to neuromotor deficit suggesting a greater probability of injuries in the lower limbs.