Abstract
This study measured balance ability using both an existing clinical test tool, the Y-balance test (YBT), and an automated version of the YBT named the dynamic balance test (DBT) developed in this study. Correlations between the two methods were examined to determine whether the DBT can be used as an objective tool for balance ability evaluation. The subjects included in the study were 32 healthy male adults in their 20s, who were randomized into two groups, YBT and DBT, to compare the balance ability between the two groups. The maximum stretching distances of both legs in the anterior (AT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) directions were measured. Furthermore, to compensate for the difference in length between left and right legs, the mean and standard deviations were determined using the standardization formula, and the standardized values were represented as percentages. For the statistical analysis of the data, an independent t-test was performed using SPSS ver. 18.0. The test results showed no significant differences between the two groups in both left and right legs in the AT, PM, and PL directions (P>0.05). Therefore, measuring balance ability with the DBT, which uses digital sensor measurement technology (an automated data recording, wireless data transmission, storage, and management system; measurement is possible even by one subject of balance ability test), was found to be advantageous in respect to the YBT in terms of time, efficiency, and convenience.