Sex Differences in Dysfunctional Movements and Asymmetries in Young Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Children.

Pat R Vehrs,Haley Barker,Misea Nomiyama,Miklόs Tόth,Ulrike H Mitchel,Aaron W Johnson,Zachary Vehrs,Martina Uvacsek

doi:10.3390/children8030184

Pat R Vehrs, Haley Barker + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/children8030184

Copy DOI

Abstract

This study evaluated overall performance on the functional movement screen (FMS), prevalence of asymmetries and dysfunctional movements, and the relationship between measures of adiposity and the FMS score. Methods: Ninety-four (53 boys; 41 girls) 10–12-year-old children in Hungary and Germany who were participating in daily physical education performed the FMS. The mean FMS score in girls (14.1) was significantly higher than in boys (12.9). Individual test item scores were similar, except girls scored higher on the straight-leg raise. Most children (55% of boys, 68% of girls) presented with at least one asymmetry and 72% of boys and 76% of girls had at least one dysfunctional score. Measures of adiposity were negatively correlated to performance on all test items. Underweight and normal weight children performed significantly better on the FMS than overweight and obese children. Sex differences and the high prevalence of asymmetries and dysfunctional scores should be interpreted with caution since they may be due to dynamic changes in strength, proprioception, balance, and motor control that occur as part of growth and involvement in activities. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of asymmetries and dysfunctional scores indicate that most children have movement limitations.

Highlights

Assessments of physical fitness and motor skills can be used to inform and educate participants about physical activity, exercise, and movement competencies
Based on the Body mass index (BMI) by age percentiles, 4 participants were classified as underweight, 66 were classified as normal weight, 12 were classified as overweight, and 11 were classified as obese
This study investigated the performance of young boys and girls on the functional movement screen (FMS)

Summary

Introduction

Assessments of physical fitness and motor skills can be used to inform and educate participants about physical activity, exercise, and movement competencies. One tool that can be used to assess movement patterns in children that has educational value is the functional movement screen (FMS). Details of the 7 test items (deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility test, active straight-leg raise, trunk stability push-up, rotary stability test) included in the FMS are well described elsewhere [4,5,6]. Five of the test items (hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility test, active straight-leg raise, rotary stability test) are bilateral tests performed on the left and right sides to assess the presence of asymmetries. The test items of the FMS permit the observation of mobility, stability, balance, and functional and dysfunctional movement patterns [5,7]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion