The Star Excursion
Balance Test
State-of-the-art computerized balance machines can
be used to identify asymmetries in athletic individuals.
However, most high schools and colleges are unable to
aff ord the high price tag associated with these machines.
Th ere is a low tech, inexpensive option called the Star
Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) which can be utilized
by coaches and sports medicine professionals to quickly
assess an athlete’s dynamic balance (1, 2).
Th e SEBT is proving to be an eff ective tool in predicting
injury risk. Researchers from Rocky Mountain University
of Health Professions (Provo, Utah) found that
high school basketball players with asymmetrical reach
distances (as little as 4 centimeters) had a greater risk of
experiencing a lower extremity injury (2).