Validity of the modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT) in martial art athletes

Abstract

The study highlights that dynamic balance is a critical element in martial arts, and it is essential for every martial arts athlete to have quick and powerful movements that require precise body control. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a dynamic balance test that measures the ability to maintain balance while reaching in multiple directions, the normalized reach distance values of the SEBT can be used as an index of dynamic postural control and to evaluate the dynamic balance of lower limbs in 8 selective directions to determine potential risk of injury. The study aimed to validate the modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT). The modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT) in this research is a widely used tool to assess dynamic postural stability in athletes. It involves performing the range of motion in eight different directions based on time. The participants included 68 undergraduate students in the physical education, sport, and recreation study program at Universitas Islam 45, Indonesia (age: M=20.11, SD=0.38). Rasch analysis was utilized to evaluate the validity and reliability of the the modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT) and correlation was to hypothesis analysis. The results confirm that the mSEBT is valid and reliable measure for both test. In conclusions, martial arts athletes must possess the ability to maintain dynamic balance for an extended period of time, and the mSEBT can be used as a measuring tool to determine the ability to maintain dynamic balance in martial arts athletes with the mSEBT Based on Longest Time (LT) test procedure.