Dynamic balance as measured by the Y-Balance Test is reduced in individuals with low back pain: A cross-sectional comparative study

• YBT PL and PM distances are decreased in people with current and a history of LBP.
• Anterior YBT reach distances are not reduced in these two groups.
• There is no correlation between YBT distance and age, activity level, pain, or disability.
• The YBT can be used to assess balance deficits in these populations.

ObjectivesTo determine the effects of current LBP (cLBP) and LBP history (hxLBP) on Y-Balance Test (YBT) reach and establish relationships between YBT performance and demographic, behavioral, and disability measures.DesignCross-sectional comparative study.SettingResearch laboratory.ParticipantsForty-two participants (24 males, 18 females) aged 18–50 years (30.9 ± 8.2 yr) in three groups: cLBP, hxLBP, and healthy controls.InterventionsThree YBT trials in anterior (ANT), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) directions.Main outcome measuresYBT reach (relative to leg length) was measured and compared amongst groups. Pearson correlations were calculated between reach distances and pain, disability, and fear avoidance scores in the cLBP and hxLBP groups and age and activity level in all participants.ResultsFor PL reach, cLBP (94.7 ± 10.6 cm) and hxLBP (94.2 ± 9.2 cm) groups demonstrated shorter distances versus controls (105.8 ± 6.6 cm). For PM reach, cLBP (100.7 ± 8.4 cm) and hxLBP (102.3 ± 7.6 cm) groups' distances were shorter versus controls (109.3 ± 6.7 cm). No significant difference was found for ANT reach (control = 66.4 ± 7.0 cm; cLBP = 66.2 ± 6.2 cm; hxLBP = 66.4 ± 3.1 cm). No significant correlations were identified.ConclusionYBT performance is reduced in individuals with cLBP and hxLBP in the PL and PM directions but not ANT. The YBT is useful for measuring balance deficits in these populations.