Anterior component of Y-Balance test is correlated to ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in futsal players: A cross-sectional study

Restricted dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) could impact dynamic balance in sports. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dorsiflexion range of motion and the Y-Balance Test (YBT) in elite futsal players. Sixty-one asymptomatic male futsal players (mean age 26.57 (5.64) years, a mean body mass index of 25.40 (2.69) kg/m ) were included. DFROM was measured by the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT). DFROM data were obtained using smartphone-based motion capture. The Pearson correlation coefficient verified the correlation between the variables. Dominant and nondominant leg ankle DFROM was significantly correlated with the anterior component of YBT (r = 0.27 and 0.51, respectively). The posteromedial component and the composite score of the YBT were also significantly correlated with nondominant leg ankle DFROM (r = 0.31 and 0.34, respectively)]. The other measures were not statistically significant. DFROM explained between 7% and 24% of the variation of the distances reached in the YBT. Dorsiflexion range of motion measured by weight bearing lunge test is positively correlated with dynamic balance in futsal players.