The Upper Quarter Y Balance Test, or UQYBT, assesses unilateral upper-limb closed-chain performance while the opposite arm reaches in three directions. Research supports it as a reliable measure of upper-extremity reach distance in a closed-chain position, with normative data available in active adults and newer healthy adult samples.
The UQYBT challenges shoulder stability, trunk control, scapular control and upper-limb reach. It is useful for athletes and clients requiring closed-chain upper-body control.
Test name: Upper Quarter Y Balance Test
Abbreviation: UQYBT
Category: Upper-limb closed-chain performance
Primary score: Reach distance by direction
Optional score: Normalised reach and composite score
Best use: Side-to-side upper-quarter control and reach assessment
Key limitation: Requires upper-limb loading tolerance.
The client supports body weight through one upper limb while reaching with the opposite arm in three directions. Reach distances are recorded and may be normalised to limb length.
Used to assess upper-limb closed-chain stability, shoulder girdle control, trunk contribution, reach asymmetry and progress over time.
It may reflect shoulder stability, scapular control, trunk endurance, closed-chain upper-limb mobility and motor control.
Useful for overhead athletes, gym clients, field sport athletes, swimmers, racquet sport athletes and upper-limb performance monitoring.
Upper Quarter Y Balance kit or marked setup
Measuring tape or Measurz AR measurement
Limb-length measurement
Optional Measurz stopwatch for rest intervals
Optional Measurz rep counter for trials
MAT tools such as Anker, Gripper and Muscle Meter for related shoulder, grip or upper-limb strength testing
Measurz/MAT platform for reach, side, normalised scores and symptoms
Record limb length.
Set up three reach directions.
Client assumes the closed-chain starting position.
Client supports body weight through the stance arm.
Reaching arm reaches in each direction.
Record valid reach distance.
Repeat both sides using consistent practice trials.
Record reach distances, side, limb length, normalised reach, composite score, symptoms and invalid trials.
Active adult research reports UQYBT composite scores around 80–82% of limb length, with no major gender or side differences in that sample. Newer normative research has also been published in healthy adults aged 18–36 years.
The UQYBT has reported reliability as a measure of upper-extremity reach distance in a closed-chain position. Measurement reliability depends on consistent limb-length measurement, practice trials and scoring method.
Common errors include poor starting position, trunk rotation, stance-hand movement, insufficient practice, not normalising to limb length and testing clients who cannot tolerate upper-limb loading.
Useful for upper-quarter performance monitoring, shoulder control assessment, side-to-side comparison and return-to-training context.
Record side, reach direction, raw reach, limb length, normalised score, composite score, symptoms and retest date.
What does it assess? Closed-chain upper-limb reach, shoulder control and trunk contribution.
Should scores be normalised? Yes.
Is it only for athletes? No, but it requires upper-limb loading tolerance.
Are norms available? Yes, for some healthy and active adult groups.
Upper-limb closed-chain performance test.
Measures reach in three directions.
Normalised scores are preferred.
Evidence supports reliability.
Measurz can track reach and composite scores.
Gorman, P. P., Butler, R. J., Plisky, P. J., & Kiesel, K. B. (2012). Upper Quarter Y Balance Test: Reliability and performance comparison between genders in active adults. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(11), 3043–3048.
Lee, D. R., Kim, L. J., et al. (2026). Normative value of Upper Extremity Y Balance Test in healthy subjects. PLOS ONE.
