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Abstract

Upper and lower quarter Y-balance tests (UQYBT and LQYBT), pelvic tilt alignment (PTA), and sit-and-reach (SnR) testing for hamstring flexibility are widely used to determine possible injury risk in athletes by measuring dynamic stability and limb symmetry. However, research comparing UQYBT, LQYBT, or PTA in male and female collegiate basketball players (MBB and WBB) is scarce. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare differences in SnR performance and limb symmetry in PTA, UQYBT composite scores (CS) and LQYBT CS in Division I MBB and WBB student athletes. METHODS: Thirteen WBB (19.6 ± 1.6 y, 176.4 ± 8.2 cm, 72.3 ± 9.2 kg) and 13 MBB (21.2 ± 1.6 y, 196.5 ± 9.6 cm, 93.0 ± 16.1 kg) completed UQYBT and LQYBT using standardized procedures, the SnR using a standard box, and PTA assessment using a caliper and digital inclinometer during a pre-season evaluation. UQYBT, LQYBT, and PT were determined for the self-reported dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) limbs. Arm and leg length were used to calculate CS for the UQYBT and LQYBT. D and ND limb symmetry within each team was compared using paired t-tests. Outcome measures both between teams and across WBB and MBB with and without self-reported upper- or lower-extremity injury within the previous 12 months were compared using independent t-tests. Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 30 (IBM Corp) with an alpha significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: WBB showed significantly higher LQYBT CS for both D and ND limbs compared to MBB. Within WBB, the ND arm exhibited higher UQYBT CS than the D arm (t[12] = -2.81, p < 0.01). There were no differences observed in SnR, UQYBT, LQYBT, or PTA between WBB athletes with or without prior injury (p > 0.05). For MBB no asymmetries were noted for UQYBT, LQYBT, or PTA (p > 0.05). MBB athletes with history of lower extremity injury (n = 5) demonstrated higher LQYBT CS in both D (t[11] = 5.37, p < 0.001) and ND limbs (t[11] = 4.02, p < 0.01), as well as higher UQYBT CS in the ND limb (t[11] = 2.50, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that injury history may be associated with LQYBT and UQYBT performance in MBB, and WBB and MBB student-athletes may differ in their LQYBT and UQYBT profile during pre-season. These may be important considerations for strength and conditioning professionals during pre-season training.

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