Project Introduction

Return-to-play (RTP) criteria are increasingly utilized to ensure children who sustain an injury sufficiently rehabilitate for participation in sports. The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is a quantitative measure commonly used to assess neuromuscular control, limb symmetry, and composite strength in single-limb stance for informed RTP decision making. Correlates for YBT scores in young patients are unclear. Therefore, identifying the influence of gender and sport type on YBT scores in children aged 8-10 may enhance interpretation of YBT scores for pediatric patients.

Technical Skills

  • Data Mining
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Biomechanics
  • Research

Return to Play

Validating the Y-Balance Test as an appropriate RTP metric or 8-10 year olds

  • Category: Biomechanics Research
  • Client: Scottish Rite for Children
  • Project date: 08/2020 - 05/2022

Contributions & Outcomes

I analyzed data from pediatric patients with lower extremity injuries in the Scottish Rite Epic electronic medical record (EMR). The patients had multiple visits until they were cleared to return to athletic activity. I conducted statistical tests (ANOVA, t-test, U-test) to examine differences in Y-Balance Test (YBT) performance across demographic factors. Additionally, I assessed the validity of using the YBT in 8-10 year olds by comparing their average performance to a regression line based on YBT results from older pediatric patients. Statistical analyses were conducted with R and Microsoft Excel. Gender and sport type were significantly associated with YBT scores in patients aged 8-10 years, suggesting males and contact athletes in this youngest pediatric group may demonstrate lower YBT measures of neuromuscular control during post-injury testing.