Associations between static and dynamic field balance tests in assessing postural stability of female undergraduate dancers

Abstract

Balance testing on dancers has used a wide variety of assessment tools. However, as most field balance tests have been developed for either sport or elderly populations, the evidence of associations between tests and their functional relevance to dance is inconclusive. We assessed possible associations between five such field balance tests . A total of 83 female undergraduate dance students (20 ± 1.5 years; 163 ± 6.6 cm; 61 ± 10.8 kg) volunteered for the tests. They executed the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), the modified Romberg test, the Airplane test, the BioSway Balance System (Biodex, Shirley, New York, USA), and a dance-specific pirouette test. Spearman's correlation coefficients examined relationships between the measures of the balance tests. Results showed strongest relationships between some SEBT reach directions (p < 0.01) and very weak to moderate relationships between some balance tests, including some SEBT directions, Romberg, Airplane, Biosway, and pirouette (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that current tests used to assess dancers' postural stability need further investigation to ensure functionality and relevance.