Normative data for the Functional Movement Screen™ in male Gaelic field sports

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine normative values for the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS) in Elite and Sub-Elite male Gaelic Football and Hurling players. DesignA cross sectional study of functional movement in Gaelic games at Elite and Sub-Elite level. Players were video recorded completing the Functional Movement Screen Tool and scored post-test. Comparisons were analysed using Mann–Whitney U tests. SettingField testing in team gym facility and university biomechanics laboratory. ParticipantsA total of 62 players were tested. This consisted of 41 Hurling, and 21 Gaelic Football players. 30 of these participants were deemed Elite and 32 were deemed Sub-Elite. The mean age of the sample was 22.15 ± 3.02 years. Main Outcome MeasuresFunctional Movement Screen™ (FMS). ResultsThe FMS mean score for the sample was 15.56 ± 1.46. The Elite group (15.8 ± 1.58) scored higher than the Sub-Elite group (15.34 ± 1.31) but there was no significant difference between groups. ConclusionsThis study provides normative reference values for Gaelic Players. Elite Gaelic Players perform no better than a young, active population in the FMS indicating a potential problem with the FMS as a measure.