Functional Movement Patterns Research Articles

The relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players.

Understanding the relationship between the functional state of the musculoskeletal system and skating performance in ice hockey players is essential, as it can provide valuable insights for the development of training programs tailored to the specific needs of athletes. This study investigated the relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance, and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players. The study involved sixty elite male ice hockey players aged 14 to 18 years, with an average age of 15.9 ± 0.85 years and training experience ranging from 7 to 9 years. Functional movement patterns were evaluated using the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMSTM). Dynamic balance was assessed using the lower quarter Y-Balance test (YBT-LQ). Fitness tests on ice were conducted using a professional Smart Speed measurement system. Negative correlations were found between the in-line lunge and the results of the 5-m forward (rho = -0.31, p = 0.018) and 5-m backward (rho = -0.27, p = 0.040), as well as between the hurdle step and the 30-m forward skating test result (rho = -0.26, p = 0.043). Positive correlations were observed between shoulder mobility and both forward (5-m: rho = 0.27, p = 0.035) and backward skating results (5-m: rho = 0.35, p = 0.006; 30-m: rho = 0.26, p = 0.047), and between active straight leg rise and both the 5-m forward skating (rho = 0.38, p = 0.002) and agility tests (rho = 0.39, p = 0.002). The study also revealed positive correlations between the magnitude of asymmetries in the anterior reach distance of the right and left legs and the results of 5-m forward (rho = 0.34, p = 0.009) and backward skating (rho = 0.32, p = 0.013). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the agility test and the magnitude of asymmetries in the posteromedial reach distance (r = 0.32, p = 0.012) as well as the composite YBT score (r = 0.28, p = 0.031). Negative correlations were found between normalized reach distances in the YBT-LQ and performance outcomes in both forward and backward skating, as well as in the agility test, indicating that greater reach distance corresponds to faster skating. These findings suggest the potential impact of balance and hip mobility on skating speed and agility and emphasize the importance of symmetry for optimal performance among ice hockey players.

Investigate the Effect of a Comprehensive Warm-up Program on the Functional Movement Patterns and Landing Error of Young Male Wrestlers

Investigate the Effect of a Comprehensive Warm-up Program on the Functional Movement Patterns and Landing Error of Young Male Wrestlers

Comparing the Scores of The Functional Movement Screen™ in Individuals with Low Back Pain versus Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) is widely used to assess functional movement patterns and illuminate movement dysfunctions that may have a role in injury risk. However, the association between FMS™ scores and LBP remains uncertain. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine functional movement scores among patients with low back pain (LBP) and healthy subjects with no LBP and review the validity of the FMS™ tool for screening functional movement among LBP patients. The systematic review and meta-analysis included papers assessing functional movement among adult patients with LBP using the FMS™ through a literature review of five databases. The search strategy focused used relevant keywords: Functional movement screen AND low back pain. The review included all papers assessing functional movement among LBP adult patients (>18 years old) using the FMS™ published between 2003 to 2023. The risk of bias in the involved studies was evaluated using the updated Cochrane ROB 2 tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager software, version 5.4. The meta-analysis included the total FMS™ score and the scores of the seven FMS™ movement patterns. Seven studies were included in this systematic review were considered to have low to unclear risk of bias. The meta-analysis revealed that the LBP group had a significantly lower total FMS™ score than the control group by 1.81 points (95% CI (-3.02, -0.59), p= 0.004). Patients with LBP had a significantly lower score than the control group regarding FMS™ movement patterns, the deep squat (p <0.01), the hurdle step (p <0.01), the inline lunge (P value <0.01), the active straight leg raise (p <0.01), the trunk stability push-up (p=0.02), and the rotational stability screens (p <0.01). Lower scores on the FMS™ are associated with impaired functional movement. Identifying the specific functional movement impairments linked to LBP can assist in the creation of personalized treatment plans and interventions. Further research is needed to assess the association of cofounders, such as age, gender, and body mass index, with the FMS™ score among LBP patients and controls. 1.

Prevalence of Pain With Movement in Active Duty US Army Soldiers.

Soldiers must be able to perform a multitude of physically demanding tasks as part of their regular duty, but their physical readiness is often degraded due to pain and musculoskeletal injury (MSKI). The presence of pain with movement has been associated with increased MSKI risk in Soldiers. Improved awareness of the prevalence of painful movements in uninjured Soldiers could help inform Army injury mitigation efforts. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of pain with movement in a population of healthy active duty Soldiers. The Selective Functional Movement Assessment-Top Tier Movements (SFMA-TTM), active range of motion (AROM) of the hips and shoulders, and the elicitation of pain with movement were measured in 268 healthy US Army Soldiers. Descriptive statistics were generated for the number of painful movements for each measure and inferential statistics; independent t-test and one-way independent analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for analysis of the other measures. Greater than half (59%) of the participants reported pain with at least 1 movement and more than 41% reported pain with 2 or more movements. Soldiers reported a mean of 1.35 painful movements on the SFMA-TTM assessment and a mean of 1.54 painful AROM movements. Pain with functional movement patterns was common across a sample of uninjured Soldiers. The presence of pain with movement warrants further evaluation as it may impact a Soldier's physical performance, risk for future injury, and overall quality of life.

Functional Movement Screen at DKI Jakarta POPB Athletics in 2023

Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a method for assessing a person's functional movement abilities. FMS can be used as a screening and injury prevention effort. The aim of this research is to provide information on weaknesses in functional movement patterns, FMS provides information on asymmetries and limitations in functional movement patterns between right and left and FMS helps predict the risk of injury that may occur. FMS consists of 7 movements, namely: (1) Deep Squat, (2) Hurdle Step, (3) Inline Lunges, (4) Shoulder Mobility, (5) Active Straight Leg Raise, (6) Trunk Stability Push Up, and (7) Rotary Stability. This research is quantitative descriptive. By using observation techniques to collect information. This research involves the use of tools, instruments and procedures to collect objective and systematic data. In this research, the 2023 Jakarta popb athletics athletes were involved with a total sample of 13 athletes. The results of this research show that the FMS profile of POPB DKI Jakarta athletic athletes in 2023 is 1 athlete showing points 21, namely a perfect score, 7 athletes showing points 17-20, namely good, 3 athletes showing points 14-16, namely inefficient. The average profile of POPB DKI Jakarta athletic athletes in 2023 is in good condition.

The Effect of Restricted Hip Extension on Muscle Activity During Functional Movements

Background: Hip flexor tightness is a common problem affecting both active and sedentary individuals and can lead to the development of movement deficiencies potentially resulting in altered muscle activity around the hip joint. The overhead squat, inline lunge, and single leg step-up are common functional movements used to asses for movement deficiencies. The purpose of the study was to compare surface electromyography (sEMG) in the rectus femoris (RF), gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (RF), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles and GM:BF co-activation ratio during the over-head squat, in-line lunge, and step-up between healthy females with and without hip flexor tightness. Methods: Participants were screened for hip flexor tightness using the modified Thomas Test and classified into a tight hip flexor and non-tight hip flexor group. Muscle activity data was collected using sEMG on the RF, GM, BF, and ST muscles during three functional movements: The over-head squat, in-line lunge, and step-up. Results: There were no statically significant differences in muscles between those with hip flexor tightness and healthy controls during the three tested movements. However, those with hip flexor tightness displayed greater hamstring utilization during all movements (Hedges g = 0.37 - 0.73). Conclusions: Those who have hip flexor tightness appear to adopt a more hamstring-based movement strategy to complete functional movements. More research is warranted to determine the extent to which hip flexor tightness affects functional movement patterns and muscle activity surrounding the hip joint.

The effect of a 12-week functional training program on functional movement patterns and dynamic balance in young elite ice hockey players

Abstract Study aim: This study examined the effects of a 12-week functional training (FT) program on basic movement patterns and dynamic balance in hockey players. Material and methods: Forty-three male ice hockey players aged 16.2 ± 0.76 years, were allocated into the experimental (EG) or control (CG) groups. The EG underwent additional 60-minute supervised FT sessions twice weekly, while the CG had an additional 60-minute team game class and swimming class. Fundamental movement patterns were assessed using the functional movement screening (FMSTM), whereas dynamic balance was assessed by the Y-balance test (YBT). Results: After completion of the FT program, the hockey players assigned to the EG achieved higher results in the deep squat (p = 0.0143), hurdle step (p = 0.0002), in-line lunge (p = 0.0082), shoulder mobility (p = 0.0455), and rotatory stability tests (p = 0.0253), had higher total FMSTM scores (p = 0.0003), and less asymmetry (p = 0.0032) than at baseline. They improved all of the normalized scores in YBT. The hockey players assigned to the CG did not improve their results, but their performance decreased in the hurdle step test (p = 0.0082), and they showed more asymmetry (p = 0.0124) than at baseline. Conclusions: The implementation of FT can lead to significant improvements in fundamental movement patterns and dynamic balance among ice hockey players. This suggests that implementing FT can enhance fundamental movement patterns in athletes and should be considered an integral part of sports training. By integrating FT into regular training routines, athletes across different sports may potentially improve their movement patterns, thereby enhancing their overall performance and reducing the risk of injury.

Effects of Balance and Proprioceptive Exercises on the Balance of Ice Hockey Players and the Risk of Lower Limb Injuries

Background. Most ice hockey injuries are contact, but about 15% are non-contact musculoskeletal injuries and lower body injuries account for 30-45% of all injuries in ice hockey players. It is believed that proprioception and balance training can improve neuromuscular control, improve its ability to synchronise the muscle joint to improve dynamic stability and improve human performance, so balance and proprioception are suggested exercises as a regular part of training. The aim. To determine the effects of a 6-week balance and proprioception training exercises on balance and lower extremity injury risk in ice hockey players. Material and methods. 20 men were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Six weeks were applied to the research group balance and proprioception exercises, twice a week for 45 minutes next to their regular training. The control group continued with regular training. Before and after the study, static balance was assessed by the flamingo test, dynamic balance and lower extremity injury risk by the modified star excursion test, and injury risk assessment using the Functional Movement Assessment. Results. In the intervention group after 6 weeks the static balance of the right and left leg improved statistically significantly (p&lt;0,05), the dynamic balance of the right and left leg in the front, posteromedial, posterolateral directions (p&lt;0,05), but functional movement patterns did not change statistically significantly (p&gt;0,05). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in the dynamic balance of the left and right leg in the front, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions (p&lt;0,05) and the static balance of the right leg (p&lt;0,05). The results of the intervention group were better compared to the control group. Conclusions. After the application of balance and proprioception training exercises, the static and dynamic balance of ice hockey players improved and the risk of injury in ice hockey players decreased. Recommendations. Balance and proprioception exercises should be included in hockey physical training to improve static and dynamic balance and reduce the risk of injury. When performing balance and proprioception exercises, we recommend incorporating a variety of specific movements that are similar to those performed by athletes during training and competition. In order to determine the cause of injuries and their risk, it is very important to carry out regular tests, store them and analyse them. Keywords: balance, proprioception, hockey, injury risk

Effect of Core Stability Trainings on Functional Movement Screening Scores and Trunk Muscle Endurance in Female Kyokushin Karate Athletes

Background: The objective of this study was to examine the impact of six weeks of core instability training on functional movement screening (FMS) scores and core trunk endurance in female Kyokushin karate athletes. Methods: Thirty female Kyokushin Karate athletes aged 14 - 18 years were recruited and randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group (n = 15 per group). Functional movement patterns, including the FMS, Sorenson, and McGill tests, were assessed before and after the intervention. The experimental group underwent six weeks of Kyokushin Karate training, while the control group performed core stability exercises. The statistical analysis involved paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with a significance level set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The paired t-test results indicated a significant difference in pre- and post-test scores in both the control and experimental groups (P &lt; 0.05). However, the ANCOVA showed no significant differences between the groups (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Both Kyokushin training and core stability exercises have been found to increase core stability and FMS scores. Therefore, it can be suggested that Kyokushin Karate athletes may not need to perform separate core stability exercises as part of their training routine.

A Diagonal Movement Pattern of Arm Elevation and Depression in Overhead Throwing Athletes: An Exploratory Kinematic Analysis for Clinical Application

Assessing scapular position and motion during functional arm movement patterns may add relevant information to the evaluation of the clinical status and athletic performance of overhead sports athletes’ shoulders. This study aimed to examine the three-dimensional scapular kinematics of elite volleyball players with (n = 11) and without scapular dyskinesis (n = 11) in comparison to non-athletes (n = 27). Four distinct arm elevation/depression tasks were assessed: shoulder abduction/adduction, flexion/extension, scaption, and a diagonal movement pattern mimicking throwing (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation diagonal 2 for flexion/extension or PNF–D2–flx/ext). Kinematic data was recorded from the spiking/dominant shoulder using an electromagnetic system (FASTRAK, Polhemus Inc., Colchester, VT, USA); MotionMonitor v9 software, Innovative Sports Training, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The study compared scapular rotations at 15° intervals of humero-thoracic (HT) angles, ranging from minimum to 120°. Significantly different 3D scapular kinematics were observed between traditional arm motion tasks and PNF–D2 arm motion task (HT angle × task interaction effect, p &lt; 0.001, 0.275 ≤ ηp2 ≤ 0.772). However, when considering the combined influence of phase, HT angle, task, and group factors, no differences were found between groups (phase × HT angle × task × group, p ≥ 0.161, 0.032 ≤ ηp2 ≤ 0.058). The inclusion of a functional arm movement pattern when evaluating scapular position and movement in overhead athletes does not appear to be mandatory. However, these findings are preliminary and highlight the need for more research in this area.

Gender differences in functional movement screen and range of motion for college students

&lt;p&gt;目的：本研究目的是比較不同性別大學生在功能性動作及關節活動度之差異。方法：45 位大學生參與，使用功能性動作篩檢 (functional movement screening, FMS)工具及自行開發之即時影像關節角度判別系統。進行七個 FMS 之角度判別，包括深蹲、跨欄、直線弓箭步、肩關節活動度、主動直膝抬腿、軀幹穩定俯臥撐、轉體穩定度，並由一位研究者進行事後錄影的人工評分。以卡方檢定分析男性與女性的七個 FMS 人工評分分數之差異；再以獨立樣本T檢定分析男性與女性在七個 FMS 動作之關節角度差異及人工評分總分結果。結果：以人工評分後發現，男性在總分 (13.6分) 顯著少於女性 (14.8分) (p &lt; .05)，且只有在主動直膝抬腿項目女性得到 3 分的人數 (55%) 高於男性 (15%) (p &lt; .05)；而加入即時影像角度判別，共有三個項目如肩關節活動度 (女性比男性好)、主動直膝抬腿 (女性比男性好)、及軀幹穩定俯臥撐 (男性比女性好) 中的關節活動度顯示出男性與女性有顯著差異 (p &lt; .05)。結論：研究結果表示男性與女性在功能性動作及關節活動度上有所差異，男性應加強主動直膝抬腿動作及肩關節旋轉柔軟度，女性應加強核心肌群肌力，以改善功能性動作。&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in functional movement and range of motion among college students of different genders. Methods: A total of 45 college students participated in this study. The functional movement screening (FMS) tool and the self-developed FMS auxiliary system for real-time joint angle image recognition. A total of seven functional movements were evaluated, including deep squats, hurdle step, in-line lunges, trunk stability push-up, active straight-leg raise, rotary stability, and shoulder mobility. The FMS auxiliary system recorded the video when the participates do those functional movements and manual grading the score by one researcher. Chi-square test analysis was used to compare the differences in the manual grading scores of the seven events of the FMS between men and women; independent samples T-test was used to analyze the differences in joint angles and FMS overall scores between men and women in the seven events of the FMS. Results: In manual grading scoring, it was found that the overall score of men (13.6 points) was lower than that of women (14.8 points), and only in the active straight-leg raise movement, the number of women who scored 3 points (55%) was higher than that of men (15%); However, adding real-time joint angle image recognition system, there are three items such as shoulder mobility (women better than men), active straight-leg raise (women better than men), and trunk stability push-up (men better than women) showed a significant difference in the range of motion between men and women. Conclusion: The results indicated that the differences was showed in functional movement patterns and range of motion between men and women. The results of this study suggest that men should strengthen the flexibility of active straight-leg raise and shoulder rotation, and women should strengthen core muscle strength to prevent the increase in the incidence of sports injuries.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Non-Traditional Physical Education Classes Improve High School Students' Movement Competency and Fitness: A Mixed-Methods Program Evaluation Study.

Non-traditional physical education (PE) programs may facilitate functional movement patterns and develop fitness and work capacity to facilitate long-term physical activity. This program evaluation study compared changes in body composition, movement competency, work capacity, and fitness for high school students in CrossFit or weight training PE; both classes were hypothesized to improve each area, with greater improvements in the CrossFit class. Students participated in 57 min classes 4 days per week for 9 months. Measures including body composition, movement competencies (squat, lunge, push-up, pull-up, hinge, and brace), work capacity (two CrossFit workouts), and fitness (air squats, push-ups, inverted row, plank hold, horizontal and vertical jumps, 5 rep max back squat and press, 500 m bike, and 12 min run) were taken at baseline, midpoint, and post-test. Focus groups to assess students' experiences and outcomes were conducted at post-test. Students significantly improved in movement competencies (ps = 0.034 to <0.001), work capacity (ps < 0.001), and all fitness tests (ps = 0.036 to <0.001). The CrossFit class was only superior on the 500 m bike. Four themes were identified from the focus groups: (1) increased self-confidence, (2) health improvements, (3) newfound community, and (4) translational sports improvements. Future research should examine changes using an experimental design.

Functional Movement Patterns, Spinal Posture and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Elite Ice Hockey Players: A Cross Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate functional movement patterns and spinal posture of elite ice hockey players and to examine the association between spinal posture, prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM) scores. The study included 86 elite male ice hockey players aged 18 to 38 years. Sagittal spinal curvatures were measured with a Saunders digital inclinometer, and functional movement patterns were assessed by the FMSTM. Spinal posture of the studied ice hockey players was characterized by normal kyphosis (46%) or hyperkyphosis (41%) and decreased lumbar lordosis (54%). The mean total FMSTM score was 14.8. Most of the hockey players (57%) achieved a total FMSTM score in the range of 14-17 points, whereas 28% had a total FMSTM score of <14. Seventy-two percent of the studied athletes had at least one asymmetry. Significant differences between performing the movements on the right and the left sides of the body were observed in in-line lunges (p = 0.019) and shoulder mobility sub-tests (p < 0.001). The FMSTM sub-tests performed with the lowest success rates were rotatory stability and the hurdle step. A lower score in the rotatory stability test is related to shoulder pain. It is highly important to develop appropriate exercise programs to reduce or prevent muscle imbalances in ice hockey players.

Movement Foundations. The perceived impact of a digital rehabilitation tool for returning to fitness following a period of illness, including COVID-19 infection: a qualitative study

Digital interventions can increase physical activity (PA) levels in adults. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the complexities faced when guiding people to start or return to PA following illness or...

The effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization approach on clinical outcomes in older patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomized, controlled clinical trial

Objective We aimed to examine the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) approach in older patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP). Methods A total of 72 participants with CNSLBP were assigned to either the experimental group (n = 36) or control group (n = 36) in this randomized study. A conventional physiotherapy program was administered to the participants in the control group for 3 days per week for a total of 6 weeks. In addition to the conventional program, DNS exercise protocol was performed for 3 days per week for 6 weeks for the participants in the experimental group. While quality of movements and exercise capacity were our primary outcomes, functional balance and quality of life constituted our secondary outcomes. The participants were assessed both at baseline and post-treatment. Results The improvement in a deep squat, in-line lunge, hurdle step, shoulder flexibility, rotary trunk stability, total Functional Movement Screening score, and Timed-up and Go Test score was greater in the experimental group (p<.05). The improvement was similar in both groups in terms of the rest of outcome measures. Discussion This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the DNS approach on some functional movement patterns and functional balance performance in older patients with CNSLBP.

The posture of high-level wrestlers affects their functional movement patterns: An observational study

Although there are reports in the recent literature demonstrating the epidemiology of injuries in the wrestler population, no study could be found which has investigated the effect of posture on the functional movement patterns in wrestlers. This study was planned to investigate the effect of posture on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores in wrestlers. The study included 68 male (30 greco-roman and 38 freestyle) wrestlers. Spine posture and flexibility were measured via Spinal Mouse (SM). The New York Posture Rating (NYPR) and FMS Test Kits were used to evaluate overall body posture and functional movement patterns, respectively. Significant weak correlations were found between the FMS sub-parameters, SM sub-parameters and NYPR total score (ρ = −0.265–0.297; P < 0.05). There was a significant weak to moderate relationship between FMS and SM spine-check sub-parameters (ρ = −0.262–0.372; P < 0.05). A significant weak to moderate correlation was found between NYPR sub-parameters for abdominal, chest, foot, shoulder and head postures and all FMS sub-parameters excluding rotation stability (ρ = 0.329–0.504; P < 0.05). There was no relationship between FMS, SM and NYPR total scores. Postural deviations in wrestlers especially in the columna vertebralis may disrupt the biomechanical alignment of the upper and lower extremities, causing the joints to fail to perform arthrokinematic and osteokinematic movements at the appropriate angles, increasing the risk of injury to the wrestlers. The results of this study, in which the general body postures of wrestlers were evaluated and monitored, showed that the effects of posture on functional movements patterns help to predict the risk of injury and can play a protective role in wrestlers. Bien que certains travaux récents démontrent l’épidémiologie des blessures au sein des lutteurs, aucune étude ne s’est penchée sur l’effet de la posture sur les mouvements fonctionnels de ces derniers. Cette étude vise à étudier l’effet de la posture sur les résultats du Test des mouvements fonctionnels (FMS) chez les lutteurs. Soixante-huit lutteurs masculins (30 gréco-romains et 38 freestyle) ont été retenus. La posture et la flexibilité de la colonne vertébrale ont été mesurées via Spinal Mouse (SM). L’évaluation globale de la posture du corps et des mouvements fonctionnels a été réalisée à l’aide de la New York Posture Rating (NYPR) et des kits de test FMS, respectivement. De faibles corrélations significatives ont été trouvées entre les sous-paramètres FMS, les sous-paramètres SM et le score total NYPR (ρ = −0,265–0,297 ; p < 0,05). Une corrélation significative faible à modérée a été trouvée entre les sous-paramètres FMS et SM spine-check (ρ = −0,262–0,372 ; p < 0,05). Une corrélation significative faible à modérée a été trouvée entre les sous-paramètres NYPR qui sont les postures de l’abdomen, de la poitrine, des pieds, des épaules et de la tête et tous les sous-paramètres FMS exclus dans la stabilité de la rotation (ρ = 0,329–0,504 ; p < 0,05). Aucun rapport n’a été établi entre les scores totaux du FMS, du SM et du NYPR. Les déviations posturales chez les lutteurs, en particulier dans la colonne vertébrale, peuvent perturber l’alignement biomécanique des membres supérieurs et inférieurs, empêchant les articulations d’effectuer des mouvements arthrocinématiques et ostéocinématiques aux angles appropriés, augmentant le risque de blessure pour les lutteurs. Les résultats de cette étude, dans laquelle les postures corporelles générales des lutteurs ont été évaluées et surveillées, ont montré que les effets de la posture sur les schémas de mouvements fonctionnels aident à prédire le risque de blessure et peuvent jouer un rôle protecteur chez les lutteurs.

The Test–Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of the FitLight Trainer™

Context: Reaction time is an indicator of cognitive function postconcussion and is an important measurement in return-to-play protocols. Current postconcussion assessments lack evidence regarding their reliability and do not simulate functional movement patterns and choice reactions that occur in sport performance. Objective: This study sought to establish the test–retest reliability of the FitLight Trainer™ in a nonconcussed, healthy population. Methods: Twenty-six healthy individuals from Bowling Green State University participated. Results: Good test–retest reliability was demonstrated for choice reaction time using the FitLight Trainer™ across the two testing sessions (intraclass correlation coefficient [2, 1] = .80). Conclusions: The FitLight Trainer™ provides reliable measures of reaction time in a healthy population.

Effects of Core Stability Training on Functional Movement Patterns in Tennis Players.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a six-week core stability training program on the fundamental movement pattern assessed using the Functional Movement Screen Test in tennis players. The study group consisted of 160 subjects (74 women, 86 men) with a mean age of 20.26 ± 1.55. The Functional Movement Screen Test (FMS™), as well as the core stability tests including the lateral trunk muscles endurance test (the side bridge test), the abdominal muscles endurance test and the trunk extensors muscle endurance test—were used to evaluate the effects of core stability training. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the FMS test scores before and after introducing a core stability exercise program. Initially, the average total score of the FMS test in female tennis players was 14.58 ± 2.91, and after core stability training it was 17.20 ± 1.68 (p < 0.001). In the male group, the total FMS test score was 14.44 ± 2.76 before and 16.91 ± 1.36 after (p < 0.001) in the final assessment. Additionally, statistically significant differences were observed in the core stability test scores before and after introducing a stabilisation training program. The results of the study showed that specific core strengthening exercises could improve the FMS test scores in adult tennis players. This may also have an influence on reducing injury risk in this group, although further studies would be required to test this.

Effects of Yoga Intervention on Functional Movement Patterns and Mindfulness in Collegiate Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

High-quality movement patterns and high levels of mindfulness are thought to be beneficial in preventing sports injuries. Yoga is recommended in the field of athlete rehabilitation. This study investigated the effects of yoga intervention on functional movement patterns and mindfulness in collegiate athletes. It is a quasi-experimental study with a pre/post-test control design. The participants were divided into a yoga group and a control group. A Functional Movement Screen and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale were used to assess participants' basic movement patterns and mindfulness before and after 12 weeks of yoga intervention (two classes per week, 90 min per class). The results show that the yoga group's FMS scores improved more compared to the control group [F(1,78) = 29.08, p &lt; 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.27], and that the scores for the deep squat (ŋp2 = 0.4), shoulder mobility (ŋp2 = 0.17), and trunk stability pushup (ŋp2 = 0.36) improved substantially. The dysfunctional score ratio for deep squats (χ2 = 18.57, p &lt; 0.001), shoulder mobility (χ2 = 26.90, p &lt; 0.001), trunk stability pushup (χ2 = 17.07, p &lt; 0.001), and rotatory stability (χ2= 38.29, p &lt;0.001) decreased significantly compared with the control group, but there was no significant improvement in asymmetric movement patterns (χ2 = 0.75, p = 0.39). The mindfulness scores in the yoga group significantly exceeded those of the control group [F(1,78) = 13.56, p &lt; 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.15]. These results suggest that yoga intervention can improve functional movement patterns and mindfulness levels, but further evidence is needed to determine whether yoga could positively influence sports injuries.

The relationship between core muscle endurance and functional movement screen scores in females with lumbar hyperlordosis: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCore muscle endurance is essential for proper movement and lower extremity injury prevention. In addition, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score is a tool to assess body movement patterns to predict the risk of injury. Although various researches have investigated the relationship between the core muscle endurance and the FMS score, no study has ever assessed the effect of postural deformity on the FMS score. This study investigates the relationship between core muscle endurance and FMS scores in females with lumbar hyperlordosis.Methods42 healthy females aged 24.03 ± 4.4 years with hyperlordosis ( > = 45/66 degrees) participated in this study. Core muscle endurance was assessed by the McGill stability test. Correlations were evaluated between the FMS score, McGill test, and lordosis angle using spearman correlation coefficients (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsMost individual FMS scores were not correlated with the McGill test except stability trunk push up. Also, lordosis angle was not correlated with the FMS composite score (r=-0.077; p = 0.631), while it was negatively correlated with the McGill test (r=-0.650; p = 0.000).ConclusionThe lack of correlation between the FMS score and the McGill test implies that one’s level of core endurance may not influence their functional movement patterns. In contrast, the lumbar lordosis angle might impact one’s core muscle endurance but not their functional movement patterns.