This study aimed to identify the relationship between foot anthropometry, ankle strength, and lower-limb kinematics as predictors of performance in the mSEBT.
Twenty-seven participants with no history of lower-limb joint instability were recruited for this study. Foot anthropometric data were collected using a foot-scan box and foot gauge. Ankle strength was evaluated by a dynamometer with double S-load cell, while the lower limb kinematics at maximal reach in each direction were measured by four inertial measurement unit (IMU) devices during the mSEBT. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the critical predictors influencing dynamic balance performance in each direction.
Ankle dorsiflexion highly predicted normalized reach distance in the anterior direction (r² = 0.35). Hip flexion was the strongest individual predictor for posteromedial (r² = 0.50) and posterolateral (r² = 0.46) normalized reach distance scores. The combination of hip flexion and maximum voluntary contraction of the ankle invertor and evertor explained 61% and 60% of the variance in performance, respectively.
These findings provide valuable insights into the contributions of lower-extremity biomechanics to dynamic balance performance, highlighting the importance of ankle dorsiflexion in the anterior direction, hip flexion in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions, and key muscles in balance control. Further studies involving more diverse populations, including individuals with lower-extremity injuries or balance impairments, would help generalize the biomechanical predictors identified in this study.
These findings have significant implications for clinical practice and research. Ankle dorsiflexion and hip flexion are key predictors of dynamic balance, indicating that targeted interventions for these joints can enhance performance on unilateral tasks. The strong association between hip flexion and posteromedial and posterolateral balance highlights the need for multidirectional training. Implementing IMUs in biomechanical assessments offers real-time precise data on kinematics, allowing clinicians to identify problems and design more targeted interventions, ultimately improving rehabilitation and athletic outcomes.
Joint kinematic
Ankle strength
