Alfonso Calvo Gonell1, José Aurelio Pina Romero2, Loreto Maciá Soler3. 1. MSN (Master Science in Nursing) Science of Health Doctoral Student (at time of study), University Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain. 2. MS Teacher Collaborator. Master Degree Program, University Jaume I, Castellon de la Plana, Spain. 3. Science of Health Doctoral Program Chair, University Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although the dynamic balance has been proposed as a risk factor for sports-related injuries, few researchers have used the Y balance test to examine this relationship. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Y Balance Test (YBT) is a valid test for determining subjects susceptible to soft tissue injury among soccer players on a professional team. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. METHODS AND MEASURES: Prior to the 2011 football (soccer) season, the anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral YBT reach distances and limb lengths of 74 soccer players were measured. Athletes' physiotherapists documented how many days the players were unable to play due to the injuries. After normalizing for lower limb length, each of the reach distances, right/left reach distance difference and composite reach distance were examined using odds ratios and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Logistic regression models indicated that players with a difference of equal or greater than 4cm between lower limbs in posteromedial direction were 3.86 more likely to sustain a lower extremity injury (p=0.001). Results indicate that players who had lower scores than the mean in each reach direction, independently, were almost two times more likely to sustain an injury. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that YBT can be incorporated into physical examinations to identify soccer players who are susceptible to risk of injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.
BACKGROUND: Although the dynamic balance has been proposed as a risk factor for sports-related injuries, few researchers have used the Y balance test to examine this relationship. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Y Balance Test (YBT) is a valid test for determining subjects susceptible to soft tissue injury among soccer players on a professional team. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. METHODS AND MEASURES: Prior to the 2011 football (soccer) season, the anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral YBT reach distances and limb lengths of 74 soccer players were measured. Athletes' physiotherapists documented how many days the players were unable to play due to the injuries. After normalizing for lower limb length, each of the reach distances, right/left reach distance difference and composite reach distance were examined using odds ratios and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Logistic regression models indicated that players with a difference of equal or greater than 4cm between lower limbs in posteromedial direction were 3.86 more likely to sustain a lower extremity injury (p=0.001). Results indicate that players who had lower scores than the mean in each reach direction, independently, were almost two times more likely to sustain an injury. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that YBT can be incorporated into physical examinations to identify soccer players who are susceptible to risk of injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.
Authors: C W Fuller; J Ekstrand; A Junge; T E Andersen; R Bahr; J Dvorak; M Hägglund; P McCrory; W H Meeuwisse Journal: Br J Sports Med Date: 2006-03 Impact factor: 13.800
Authors: Taylor A Kramer; Ryan S Sacko; Craig E Pfeifer; Dustin R Gatens; Justin M Goins; David F Stodden Journal: Int J Sports Phys Ther Date: 2019-12
Authors: Madeline M Miller; Jessica L Trapp; Eric G Post; Stephanie M Trigsted; Timothy A McGuine; M Alison Brooks; David R Bell Journal: Sports Health Date: 2017-04-27 Impact factor: 3.843