Affiliations: [a]
Human Performance & Sport Physiology Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences & Technology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| [b]
Health Assessment Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy & Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Rudi A. Marciniak, MS Pavilion –Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, Suite 350 3409 N. Downer Ave Milwaukee, WI 53211-2956, USA. Tel.:+1 414 229 6717; Fax: +1 414 229 3366; E-mail: rudim@uwm.edu.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Research has suggested that balance ability contributes to musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) rates in firefighters. Though the Y-Balance Test (YBT) can predict injury, it is unclear what physical measures inform YBT performance in firefighters. Thus, there is a lack of knowledge regarding best practice for improving balance in firefighters. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the relationship between the YBT and fitness measures, including body composition, aerobic capacity, functional total-body power, upper and lower-body strength, and movement efficiency, among firefighters. METHODS:Dynamic balance (YBT), body mass index (BMI), body-fat percentage (BF%), fat free mass (FFM), aerobic capacity (VO2max), stair climb (SC), upper (1RMbench) and lower-body (1RMsquat) strength, and Fusionetics™ Movement Efficiency Screen (ME) measures were collected among 35 firefighter recruits. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between YBT and the performance measures. RESULTS:Dynamic balance ability in firefighter recruits is significantly (p < 0.05) related to BMI, lower-body strength, and movement quality, but not with aerobic capacity, stair climb performance, and upper body strength. CONCLUSIONS:Greater YBT performance in firefighter recruits is associated with lower BMI, greater functional movement, and greater lower-body strength. Future research is warranted to incorporate these elements into balance training programs for firefighter recruits.
Keywords: Y-balance test, tactical athlete, strength, power, movement efficiency
