Understanding the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) Assessment
A functional, dynamic balance and neuromuscular control test used to screen for **ankle instability** and **return-to-sport readiness**.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient stands in the center of a grid with one foot, facing a central point.
What happens?
The patient reaches out with the free limb to tap the ground along **eight standardized lines** (or fewer, common modified versions use 3 or 4) as far as possible while maintaining balance on the stance leg.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
**Reduced reach distance** compared to the unaffected leg (often a 4cm difference is significant) or **loss of balance** on the stance leg.
Helpful Tip:
This is a performance measure. Reduced performance often correlates with chronic ankle instability.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other ankel Tests
Anterior Drawer of the Ankle
To assess the integrity of the **Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)**, the most commonly injured ligament in lateral ankle sprains.
External Rotation Stress Test (or Syndesmosis Ligament Test)
To assess the integrity of the **Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis** (the 'high ankle sprain' ligaments, including the AITFL and PITFL).
Figure of Eight Method of Measuring Ankle Joint Swelling
To quantitatively measure and track **ankle and foot edema (swelling)** volume over time.
Impingement sign ankle (Anterior Ankle Impingement)
To diagnose **Anterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome** (bony or soft tissue impingement at the front of the joint).