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The Y Balance Upper Quarter Test is a standardized and reliable clinical assessment used to evaluate an individual’s dynamic upper extremity stability, mobility, and neuromuscular control. Similar to its lower quarter counterpart, it helps clinicians identify asymmetries and potential risk factors for injury in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and core.
Instructions
The test is performed in a closed kinetic chain position, typically a push-up stance. The individual places one hand (the stance hand) firmly on a central platform or designated starting point. While maintaining this stable base, they then use the other hand (the reach hand) to push a reaching indicator or simply reach as far as possible in three specific directions relative to the stance hand:
- Medial: Reaching directly sideways, parallel to the body.
- Superolateral (Superior-Lateral): Reaching diagonally upward and away from the body.
- Inferolateral (Inferior-Lateral): Reaching diagonally downward and away from the body.
Dimensions
Required inputs for processing:
- Footedness: The foot maintaining balance [‘left’, ‘right’]
- Direction: The direction of the reach [‘Medial’, ‘Superolateral’, ‘Inferolateral’]
Discrete Metrics
| Metric | Units | Description | Column Name |
|---|
Notes
- Kinematic data typically captured at 30-60 Hz for stability activities
