Back to Blog

How does the CKCUEST relate to the Y Balance Test Upper Quarter?

closed kinetic chain y balance test

With upper body return to sport testing, should you do both a Y Balance Test Upper Quarter and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST)?

What do they tell us? Is one a replacement for the other?

One of the ways I like to look at the upper extremity closed kinetic chain stability test is that it is an agility for the upper extremity - being able to move in a time period over a fixed distance. So, it's an agility test.

One downside of the CKCUEST is that there's not a large range in the score. So you have a very small window of knowing what's good. Another thing to consider is that the test is performed at a standard width of 36 inches and not everybody fits that width. And so it is a bit different of a test for people with longer wingspans and shorter wingspans (think about how hard that position would be for a 5 foot tall gymnast compared to a 7 foot tall basketball player).

While I think it is a meaningful test, there are a lot of things that I think are essential to be tested before the CKCUEST. First I would like to see how a person performs at the limit of their stability on the Y Balance Test Upper Quarter.

If you are looking for a complete analysis, research, and testing procedure, check out this article on the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test.

Are you looking to gain confidence in taking athletes from injury to high level performance? Looking to simplify the process and gain clarity? Wish you had a community to ask questions and bounce ideas off of? Check out the Coaches Club.

Don't Miss Out on the Latest Research and Insights!

By entering your info, you’ll become a member of The Huddle– with FREE access to a weekly newsletter, return to sport and discharge checklists, free content and offers delivered to your inbox. (Unsub anytime in a click.) You also agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

_{This is a blog and information website and it is not intended to replace the advice or care from a healthcare provider. If you are a healthcare provider, this blog and website are not designed to replace formal education or give you authority to practice outside of your jurisdiction’s practice act. It contains my opinion (based on the best available evidence where possible) and may even be wrong. The information also may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments, or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visiting with your healthcare provider or formal continuing education on the subject matter, nor should you disregard the advice of your healthcare provider because of any information you obtain on this website. Discuss any activities presented on this website with your healthcare provider before engaging in the activity. Links and posts by others do not imply my endorsement of the material and the link might not even be the correct one. Any information, content, products, services, advertising or other materials presented on or through such websites is not under my control or my responsibility.}

_{Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.}

How does the CKCUEST relate to the Y Balance Test Upper Quarter?

Don't Miss Out on the Latest Research and Insights!

Join Our Free Trial