THE VALIDITY OF THE MODIFIED STAR EXCURSION BALANCE TEST AS A PREDICTOR OF KNEE EXTENSOR AND HIP ABDUCTOR STRENGTH

Abstract

Objectives: To test the construct validity of the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in predicting the strength of knee extensors and hip abductors and to compare performance between dominant and non-dominant legs. Strength, as measured using hand held dynamometry, has been used as one of a variety of measures in order to subgroup patients with patellofemoral pain. This method is not well received in clinical practice due to time constraints and cost. In contrast, the SEBT is a quick and simple functional measure of dynamic stability. This study examined the validity of the SEBT as an alternate strength measure. Design: Within subject correlation. Each participant recorded maximum isometric contractions for hip abduc-tion and knee extension using a HHD and performed the modified SEBT, on both legs, within one test period. Paired t tests were used to compare dominant and non-dominant legs and Pearson's correlation analyses were used to explore for associations.