Influence Of Dance And Multisport Participation On Functional Movement Screen Compared To Single Sport Athletes

Abstract

PURPOSE: Functional movement capabilities are defining factors in athletic performance and possible predisposition for injury. Previous literature identifies sport and age-related normative values for FMS scores but has not examined differences between single sport, multisport, and multisport athletes who also participate in dance. Dance requires postural control, equilibrium maintenance, and stabilization along with synchronization of movement that may benefit athletes completing the FMS. The hypothesis for this study was that FMS subcategory and composite scores would differ between the three previously mentioned groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional design investigating 25 female high school aged (14-18 years old) athletes and the impact of dance and multisport participation on FMS compared to single sport athletes. Subjects included 10 single sport volleyball players, 9 multisport athletes, and 6 multisport athletes that included dance. Differences for composite and subcategory scores among the three groups were assessed for statistical significance (p < 0.05) via one-way ANOVA and post-hoc analysis to identify specific differences between groups. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA revealed statistical significance between three groups on the inline lunge (p = 0.014), active straight leg raise (p = 0.006), trunk stability push up (p = 0.018), and total score (p = 0.028). Post hoc analysis revealed statistical significance between single sport and multisport athletes on the inline lunge (p = 0.012) and total score (p = 0.034). Statistical significance was found between multisport athletes and dancers on the active straight leg raise (p = 0.005) and between single sport athletes and dancers on the trunk stability push-up (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified that participation in multiple sports and dance influences performance related to motor control, functional patterning, and overall outcomes compared to single sport athletes. These findings can provide insight for professionals working with this population to consider the role that dance and participation in a variety of sports may have on motor development of the adolescent athlete from an educational, intervention, and performance perspectives.