Functional Movement Screen Scores and Physical Performance among Youth Elite Soccer Players.

Bruno Silva,Filipe Clemente,Pedro Bezerra,Miguel Camões

doi:10.3390/sports5010016

Bruno Silva, Filipe Clemente + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/sports5010016

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Abstract

This study had two main objectives: (1) to determine if differences in Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores exist between two levels of competition; and (2) to analyze the association between FMS individual and overall scores and physical performance variables of lower-limb power (jumps), repeated sprint ability and shot speed. Twenty-two Under 16 (U16) and twenty-six Under 19 (U19) national competitive soccer players participated in this study. All participants were evaluated according to anthropometrics, FMS, jump performance, instep kick speed and anaerobic performance. There were no significant differences in the individual FMS scores between competitive levels. There were significant negative correlations between hurdle step (right) and Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) power average ( = −0.293; p = 0.043) and RAST fatigue index (RAST FatIndex) ( = −0.340; p = 0.018). The hurdle step (left) had a significant negative correlation to squat jump (SJ) ( = −0.369; p = 0.012). Rotary stability had a significant negative correlation to RAST fatigue index (Right: = −0.311; p = 0.032. Left: = −0.400; p = 0.005). The results suggest that individual FMS scores may be better discriminants of performance than FMS total score and established minimal association between FMS scores and physical variables. Based on that, FMS may be suitable for the purposes of determining physical function but not for discriminating physical performance.

Highlights

Assessment of performance is frequently used to monitor the fitness levels of athletes and the long-term effects of the training process [1]
In a different study [22], which tested the capacity of the overall functional movement screen (FMS) score to identify the deficit in speed and jumping performances, the results reported minimal capabilities in such performance variables
This study found little evidence of association between FMS scores and physical performance in youth soccer players

Summary

Introduction

Assessment of performance is frequently used to monitor the fitness levels of athletes and the long-term effects of the training process [1]. In the specific case of soccer assessment, batteries include tests to measure the linear speed, change-of-direction speed, aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, lower-body power, isokinetic strength, flexibility, and technical skills [2,3,4]. Despite the different tests used to measure these physical capacities [1], there is a lack of tests that evaluate the movement pattern, commonly assessed by biomechanical techniques [5]. Has been proposed as a battery test to simplify the assessment of movement patterns in daily sports practice [6]. The specific tests included in the FMS are the deep squat, in-line lunge, hurdle step, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and quadruped rotary stability [7].

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