THE RELATIONSHIP OF FUNCTION, FLEXIBILITY, AND RIGIDITY OF THE HIP AND PERFORMANCE IN THE MODIFIED STAR EXCURSION BALANCE TEST

Background

The Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) was developed as a dynamic postural control test, has been shown to be predictive of lower limb injuries and is consolidated as a valid and reliable measure. However, the relationship between hip variables and mSEBT performance has not been fully elucidated. Deficits in muscle function, flexibility, and range of motion (ROM) of passive medial rotation (MR) of the hip can compromise the performance of mSEBTs.

Objectives

To verify whether function, flexibility and passive ROM of hip MR predict mSEBT performance in athletes and practitioners of physical activity.

Methods

The database of the Physiotherapy Assessment Tool (PHAST) application was used to analyze the records of 125 patients. The relationship of the variables was verified, using multiple linear regression: function of hip extensors, gluteus medius and maximus, the flexibility of iliopsoas, rectus femoris and hamstrings, as well as passive ROM of medial rotation MR hip of the dominant limb with recordings of anterior, posteromedial, and lateral reach distance, as well as mSEBT composite score.

Results

The results revealed a statistically significant model for hip extensor function predicting mSEBT performance in 6% for the composite score (F = 8.07; R = 0.24; R²= 0.062; p = 0.005), in 7% for the posterolateral reach distance (F = 9.18; R = 0.26; R²= 0.070; p = 0.003), by 7% for the posteromedial reach (F = 9.12; R = 0. 26; R²= 0.069; p = 0.003). The association of hip extensor function with gluteus medius function predicted mSEBT performance by 13% for posteromedial reach distance (F = 9.40; R = 0.36; R²= 0.13; p = 0.000). No other associations of hip variables were observed.

Conclusion

Hip extensor function has a statistically significant, but weak, association with mSEBT composite score performance and posterolateral and medial reaching distances. The hip extensor and gluteus medius functions had the highest percentage of prediction, still low, of mSEBT performance for the posteromedial reach.

Implications

These findings provide useful information for clinical practice on the contribution of hip musculature functions to mSEBT performance, injury prediction/prevention, and dynamic postural control in athletes and practitioners of physical activities.