The Effect of Fatigue on Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test Scores in Recreational Weightlifters: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: A paucity of research currently exists for upper extremity return to sport testing. The Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-UQ) is a clinical test of closed kinetic chain performance with demonstrated reliability. Prior investigations of the YBT-UQ were conducted with individuals in a resting state and no comparison to performance in a fatigued state has been conducted. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of upper extremity fatigue on the performance of the YBT-UQ in recreational weightlifters. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: 24 participants who participated in recreational weight training three days per week were randomly allocated to a control or experimental group. Individuals in the control group were tested using the YBT-UQ and re-tested after a 20-minute rest period. Participants in the experimental group were tested with the YBT-UQ, performed an upper extremity exercise fatigue protocol, and immediately re-tested. Examiners were blinded to participant allocation. RESULTS: Differences from pre- to post-fatigue YBT-UQ testing revealed score reductions between 2.04cm - 12.16cm for both composite scores and individual reach directions. The repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences when comparing the pre- and post-testing results between the fatigue and non-fatigue groups for all individual directions (p ≤ .006) and composite scores both limbs (p<.035). CONCLUSION: The performance of an upper body fatigue protocol significantly reduces YBT-UQ scores in recreational weightlifters. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.