Anterior component of Y-Balance test is correlated to ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in futsal players: A cross-sectional study

Background and purpose: Restricted dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) could impact dynamic balance in sports. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dorsiflexion range of motion and the Y-Balance Test (YBT) in elite futsal players.Methods: Sixty-one asymptomatic male futsal players (mean age 26.57 (5.64) years, a mean body mass index of 25.40 (2.69) kg/m(2)) were included. DFROM was measured by the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT). DFROM data were obtained using smartphone-based motion capture. The Pearson correlation coefficient verified the correlation between the variables.Results: Dominant and nondominant leg ankle DFROM was significantly correlated with the anterior component of YBT (r = 0.27 and 0.51, respectively). The posteromedial component and the composite score of the YBT were also significantly correlated with nondominant leg ankle DFROM (r = 0.31 and 0.34, respectively)]. The other measures were not statistically significant. DFROM explained between 7% and 24% of the variation of the distances reached in the YBT.Conclusion: Dorsiflexion range of motion measured by weight bearing lunge test is positively correlated with dynamic balance in futsal players.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dorsiflexion range of motion and the Y-Balance Test in elite futsal players. The results showed that dorsiflexion range of motion was significantly correlated with the anterior and posteromedial components, as well as the composite score of the Y-Balance Test. Dorsiflexion range of motion explained 7% to 24% of the variation in the distances reached in the Y-Balance Test.