Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test in healthy women 50–79 years old

ABSTRACT

The Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (LQ-YBT), a measure of dynamic balance used in young adults, has not been adequately studied in older women. We determined the reliability, normative values, and relationships to other balance measures for LQ-YBT in women aged 50–79 years. Interrater reliability was strong, and test-retest reliability was moderate to strong. Results by decade showed women 50–59 years had significantly better scores than both older groups. There were moderate positive correlations between single leg stance, gait speed, and LQ-YBT composite score. LQ-YBT may be used as a dynamic balance assessment in healthy older women.

KEYWORDS:

• Backward gait
• single leg stance
• dynamic balance
• aging
• reliability

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Jared Locke for his assistance with data collection.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.