Proposal for a practical star excursion balance test using three trials with four directions

Although many previous studies have shown the usefulness of the star excursion balance test (SEBT), their methodologies differ considerably. This study aimed to examine the intratester and intertester reliabilities of the SEBT with both the dominant and nondominant leg as the supporting leg and the relative test performances of both legs, and to clarify the reach directions, the number of trials and the dominance of the supporting leg in the SEBT for the adequate evaluation of dynamic balance. The study group comprised 30 healthy young adults without leg disorders who performed the SEBT in eight directions (anterior, anteromedial, medial, posteromedial, posterior, posterolateral, lateral and anterolateral) ten times using the dominant and nondominant legs as the supporting leg. Intertester reliability was evaluated between two testers. Intertester and intratester reliabilities of the SEBT in either leg were high, and significant differences between the values measured in the two legs were not found. The same validity as the original test (eight directions and ten trials; about 60 min) may be achieved with three trials and four directions (anterior, medial, posterior, lateral). Because of a sharp reduction (about 85%) in measurement time and the physical burden on the subject, the simple SEBT with four directions is very practicable.