Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Publication Title

International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy

ISSN

2159-2896

Medical Subject Headings

Electromyography, Quadriceps Muscle, Hamstring Muscles, Exercise Therapy, Postural Balance

Abstract

Background: The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) has been used as a rehabilitation exercise. To improve its efficacy, efficiency, and method variations, the Y-Balance Test (YBT) with anterior (A), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) directions of the SEBT has been recommended. Electromyographic activity has been reported to change when the same task is performed on various surfaces.

Hypothesis/Purpose: To compare the EMG activity of trunk and LE muscles during the performance of the YBT on stable and unstable surfaces.

Study Design: Cross-Sectional study.

Methods: Healthy adults with no history of chronic ankle instability were recruited for the study. Surface electromyography was collected for bilateral (ipsilateral [i] and contralateral [c]) rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EOB), erector spinae (ES). While, gluteus maximus (GMAX), gluteus medius (GMED), medial hamstrings (MH), biceps femoris (BF), vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), anterior tibialis (AT), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) on the stance leg (ipsilateral side), during the performance of the YBT. The unstable surface was introduced using a Thera-Band stability trainer. Differences in electromyography were examined for each reach direction and muscle between the stable and unstable surfaces (p≤ 0.05).

Results: Twenty (10 male, 10 female) subjects participated (age: 27.5 ± 4.0 years, height:167 ± 1.0 cm, weight: 66.5 ± 13.0 kg, body fat: 14.1 ± 6.2%). Significantly higher muscle activity for the unstable surface (p0.05) between the stable and unstable surfaces were observed in iRA, cRA, cEOB, VL, and AT for any of the directions of the YBT.

Conclusion: An increase in muscle activity was observed during YBT on unstable versus stable surfaces for some muscles.

Level of Evidence: 2B.

Volume

17

Issue

3

First Page

483

Last Page

492

Comments

Originally published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy:

Kaur N, Bhanot K, Ferreira G. Lower extremity and trunk electromyographic muscle activity during performance of the Y-balance test on stable and unstable surfaces. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2022;17(3):483-492. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.32593; PMID: 35391869

Shared under Creative Commons Attribution, Non-Commercial License (CC-BY-NC 4.0)

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