Kinematic predictors of performance on the star excursion balance test

Context: The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is composed of 8 reaching directions that are potentially measuring the same functional component, leading to the suggestion that the number of reach directions could be reduced without compromising the assessment of dynamic postural control. Objective: To determine whether the relationship of stance-leg angular displacement on normalized reach distance is a source of dynamic-postural-control measurement redundancy. Design: Single-session within-subjects design. Setting: Athletic training research laboratory. Participants: 10 women and 10 men. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Normalized reach distance and angular displacement at the knee and hip. Results: Stepwise regression revealed that hip flexion and knee flexion, separately and in combination, accounted for 62% to 95% of the variance in reach distances. Conclusion: Similarity in lower extremity function could account for the previously observed measurement redundancy in the SEBT.