Inertial Sensor Technology Can Capture Changes in Dynamic Balance Control during the Y Balance Test

The Y Balance Test (YBT) is one of the most commonly utilised clinical dynamic balance assessments. Research has demonstrated the utility of the YBT in identifying balance deficits in individuals following lower limb injury. However, quantifying dynamic balance based on reach distances alone fails to provide potentially important information related to the quality of movement control and choice of movement strategy during the reaching action. The addition of an inertial sensor to capture more detailed motion data may allow for the inexpensive, accessible quantification of dynamic balance control during the YBT reach excursions. As such, the aim of this study was to compare baseline and fatigued dynamic balance control, using reach distances and 95EV (95% ellipsoid volume), and evaluate the ability of 95EV to capture alterations in dynamic balance control, which are not detected by YBT reach distances.