Relationship between dynamic unipedal balance and hip, knee and ankle functional kinetic measures in individuals with surgically treated lower limb fractures
Postural balance; lower extremity; bone fractures; functional state.
The Y Balance Test (YBT) is a dynamic test of lower extremity strength, mobility, and balance that assesses dynamic postural stability in a unipedalstance. Objective: To identify whether clinical tests predict dynamic balance in a unipedal situation in a surgically treated fractured lower limb. Methodology: A cross-sectional and observational study evaluated 31 participants who suffered a unilateral fracture of the femur, tibia, or fibula and underwent surgical treatment. The dependent (YBT) and independent variables (hip abduction and knee extension strength, hip and ankle stiffness) were used for analysis. Bivariate regression analysis and Pearson's correlation test were performed. Results: A positive correlation was found between the hip (3.50) and knee (0.72) muscle strength tests, ankle stiffness (4.10), and the YBT. It was demonstrated that hip abduction strength (β = 2.09, p = 0.065) and ankle stiffness (β = 3.19, p = 0.004) predict dynamic unipedal balance in this population. Conclusion: A positive and significant correlation was found between hip abduction and knee extension strength, ankle stiffness, and YTB, in addition to a significant prediction capability of hip abduction strength and ankle stiffness in relation to YBT.