EXERCISE TESTING - THE STAR EXCURSION BALANCE TEST (SEBT)

Disclaimer: The content of this blog post, authored by Dr. Moran Sciamama-Saghiv, is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No doctor–patient relationship is created by reading or applying the information. Readers should always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making decisions related to medications or treatment. Neither the author nor any affiliated party assumes any liability for actions taken based on this content.

The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is an essential tool for assessing balance, especially in clinical and athletic settings. By evaluating how well a person can maintain stability while reaching in various directions on one leg, the SEBT identifies balance deficits that can lead to injuries. This is especially important for athletes who often face dynamic movements in their sports. In this post, we will uncover what the SEBT entails, why it matters, how to perform it, and how to make sense of the results.

Understanding the Importance of Balance

Balance is vital for nearly every physical activity, from walking to competitive sports. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine found that good balance can reduce the risk of falls by nearly 30%. Poor balance can not only increase the likelihood of injuries but also hinder athletic performance. The SEBT helps assess dynamic balance, which is our ability to stay stable while moving. This skill is crucial for athletes who frequently change direction, like soccer players, basketball players, or gymnasts. By recognizing the significance of balance, we can understand the true value of the SEBT for both assessment and training.

What is the Star Excursion Balance Test?

The SEBT evaluates a person’s balance and stability through a series of reaching tasks while standing on one leg. The test incorporates eight reach directions:

1. Anterior (forward)

2. Anteromedial (forward and to the side)

3. Medial (to the side)

4. Posteromedial (backward and to the side)

5. Posterior (backward)

6. Posterolateral (backward and to the side)

7. Lateral (to the side)

8. Anterolateral (forward and to the side)

   
   

Each reach direction is measured to determine how far the individual can extend without losing balance. The results provide critical insights into potential balance issues and can guide training or rehabilitation efforts.

How to Perform the SEBT

Equipment Needed

To conduct the SEBT, gather these items:

• A measuring tape or ruler

• Tape or chalk for marking the starting point

• A flat, non-slip surface

• Optional: A protractor or goniometer for angle measurements

  
  

Test Setup

1. Mark the Center Point: Use tape or chalk to create a central point on the ground where the test will start.

2. Create Reach Directions: From the center point, measure out and mark lines at 45-degree angles to indicate the eight reach directions. Each line should extend about 90 cm (35 inches) from the center.

3. Warm-Up: It's vital that the individual warms up properly to prepare their muscles and joints before the evaluation.

   
   

Test Procedure

1. Single-Leg Stance: The individual stands on one leg, lifting the opposite leg off the ground.

2. Reaching: While maintaining balance, the individual reaches as far as possible along each marked line without losing stability or touching the ground with the lifted leg.

3. Recording Results: Measure the distance reached for each direction. Ideally, the test should be performed three times for each direction, recording the best score.

4. Switch Legs: After testing one leg, repeat the process with the opposite leg.

   
   

   

   Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)

Safety Considerations

Ensure the testing area is clear and safe. Having a spotter nearby can help individuals who may struggle to balance.

Interpreting the Results

The SEBT results are valuable indicators of a person's balance abilities.

Scoring

Scores are usually calculated as a percentage of the maximum reach distance. For example, if the farthest reach in the anterior direction is 70 cm, and the maximum goal was 90 cm, the score would be calculated as follows: (70/90) * 100 = 77.78%.

Identifying Deficits

Analyzing scores from different directions can reveal specific balance weaknesses. For instance, if someone scores lower in the posterior direction than in the anterior, it suggests a potential instability in that area.

Clinical Relevance

In rehab settings, the SEBT can track recovery. Athletes can use the scores to tailor training and address specific balance deficiencies, ultimately avoiding up to 50% of injuries linked to poor balance.

Benefits of the SEBT

The SEBT is advantageous for various reasons, making it a preferred choice among trainers and clinicians.

Comprehensive Assessment

This test evaluates balance in multiple directions, providing a holistic perspective on stability. This multidirectional focus is particularly useful for athletes who often use a range of movements in their sports.

Easy to Administer

The SEBT is straightforward to conduct and doesn’t require specialized equipment. This accessibility makes it suitable for clinics, gyms, and training facilities.

Identifying Injury Risk

By pinpointing balance weaknesses, the SEBT can help forecast injury risks. Studies indicate that athletes with poor balance are twice as likely to suffer injuries, underscoring the importance of this assessment.

Enhancing Performance

Targeted training based on SEBT results can boost athletic performance. Improved balance enhances agility, coordination, and overall control during sports activities.

Training for Improved Balance

If the SEBT indicates balance deficiencies, incorporating specific training exercises becomes necessary.

Balance Exercises

1. Single-Leg Stands: Stand on one leg for as long as possible. To increase difficulty, close your eyes or use an unstable surface.

2. Dynamic Movements: Engage in activities that require quick direction changes, such as lateral lunges or shuttle runs.

3. Balance Boards: Utilize balance boards or stability discs to enhance proprioception and stability.

4. Strength Training: Focus on strengthening the core, hips, and legs with exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts.

   
   

Progress Monitoring

Retesting with the SEBT every few weeks can help track improvements. This allows necessary adjustments to training plans and ensures continued progress.

Final Thoughts

The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a crucial assessment tool for measuring dynamic balance and identifying potential stability issues that could lead to injuries. By learning to perform the test and interpret the results, you are better equipped to enhance your balance and stability. Incorporating specific training based on SEBT findings can not only boost athletic performance but also lower the risk of injuries. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or clinician, the SEBT can significantly contribute to improving balance and promoting overall physical health.

Register for FREE and get notified every time a new post is added to KIIP by Dr. Saghiv's website. Stay updated all the time with added blog posts about health, wellness, kinesiology, talent acquisition, job seeking, leadership, military service, and more.

Join for Free!

Pumpy & Pumpina children's book by Dr. Moran Sciamama Saghiv. Meant for children ages 2-5.

Services by Dr. Moran Sciamama Saghiv:

• Lectures, seminars, webinars, and workshops.

• Student college success consulting.

• Job seeking and talent acquisition consulting.

• Academic institution success consulting.

• Physical screening processes consulting.

• Expert opinion - written, via video, in-person, court testimony

Tags associated with this blog post:

Star Excursion Balance Test, SEBT, dynamic balance, balance assessment, functional test, postural control, lower limb stability, neuromuscular control, injury prevention, rehabilitation, sports medicine, physical therapy, physiotherapy, athletic performance, proprioception, core stability, joint stability, ankle stability, knee stability, hip stability, balance testing, movement analysis, biomechanics, sport science, rehabilitation exercise, functional movement, reach distance, reach measurement, dynamic stability, unilateral balance, single leg balance, functional performance, postural stability, kinematic analysis, injury screening, ankle sprain rehab, ACL injury, lower extremity assessment, return to sport testing, pre participation screening, balance training, proprioceptive training, postural alignment, motor control, coordination, muscle strength, flexibility, dynamic control, reach directions, anterior reach, posterolateral reach, posteromedial reach, test reliability, test validity, clinical assessment, balance deficits, asymmetry detection, limb symmetry index, performance testing, athletic testing, rehabilitation protocols, evidence based practice, movement quality, physical assessment, field testing, research tool, kinematic performance, functional symmetry, training evaluation, physical conditioning, rehabilitation outcomes, sensorimotor function, kinesthetic awareness, physical fitness, body control, movement efficiency, joint proprioception, balance recovery, fall prevention, physical education, sports rehabilitation, exercise science, clinical biomechanics, athletic training, motor learning, dynamic control deficits, neuromechanical control, stabilometry, sports testing protocol, injury rehabilitation, rehabilitation measurement, physiologic testing, balance restoration, motor function, performance assessment, human movement, kinesiology, exercise therapy, clinical research, balance performance, movement screening, rehabilitation science, lower limb testing, functional capacity.