Functional Movement Patterns Research Articles

Corrective Exercises Improve Movement Efficiency and Sensorimotor Function but Not Fatigue Sensitivity in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To investigate the effect of corrective exercises on functional movement patterns, sensorimotor function, self-reported function, and fatigue sensitivity in collegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). A randomized controlled trial. Laboratory of sports sciences. Forty male volunteers were randomly assigned to the experimental group (age 21.2 ± 1.7 years, height 174.5 ± 6.1 cm, and weight 69.6 ± 6.9 kg) or the control group (age 20.9 ± 1.8 years, height 178.2 ± 6.6 cm, and weight 68.8 ± 8.1 kg). Participants in the experimental group performed supervised corrective exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Fatigue was induced with a progressive treadmill protocol before and after the 8-week intervention. Outcomes included movement efficiency during 3 squat tasks, static and dynamic postural control, strength of the ankle musculature, joint position sense, and self-reported function with the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure subscales. These outcomes were assessed before and immediately after fatiguing treadmill running both before and after 8-weeks of corrective exercises. Significant improvements in movement efficiency, sensorimotor function, and self-reported function were noted in the experimental group relative to the control group (P < 0.001), in a nonfatigued state. However, in a fatigued stated, the experimental intervention only improved static postural control (P = 0.016) relative to the control group. These findings demonstrate that 8-weeks of corrective exercises were effective at enhancing movement efficiency, sensorimotor function, and self-reported function in collegiate athletes with CAI. However, this intervention program has limited abilities at reducing the effects of fatigue.

Changes In Functional Movement Patterns And Injuries For In-season Division III Women.

Athletes achieve high-level performances utilizing dysfunctional movement patterns that can increase an athlete’s injury risk. Little is known about how movement patterns change during the competitive season with or without corrective intervention. PURPOSE: To compare the functional movement patterns of Division III (D3) women’s (S) and volleyball (V), and how those movement patterns are affected during a single competitive season. METHODS: 17 S (19+0.3 yo) and 14 V (19.2+ 0.4 yo) D3 players volunteered for the study. Injury history was obtained before the season and then after. FMS testing and 3-site % body fat (%BF) skinfold analysis were performed 1-wk prior to in-season, twice in-season, and 1-wk post season. After pre-season FMS, teams were split into matched pairs and allocated to either a corrective exercise (CE) or sham (SH) exercise group. CE groups were prescribed exercises to improve specific FMS issues after the first in-season re-test. Repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey were run comparing differences within and between sports at each time period. Pearson correlations were run to examine the relationships between the FMS and %BF. All data were expressed as mean + se, and all significance levels were set at α=0.05. RESULTS: Pre-season FMS showed that S players scored significantly higher (Tukey p < 0.05) in Squat (Sq) 1.7 + 0.2 vs 1.2 + 0.2, Hurdle (Hd) 1.8 + 0.2 vs 1.1 + 0.18, and leg raise (ASLR) 2.59 + 0.14 vs 1.8 + 0.16 scores, but lower in Lunge (Ln) 1.4 + 0.2 vs 2.1 + 0.2 and Push-up (PU) 1.3 + 0.1 vs 1.9 + 0.2. Total scores (S 12.9 + 0.6 vs V 12.3 + 0.6) did not differ. After 4-wk, S improved (p < 0.05) Ln 2.4 + 0.2, PU 2.2 + 0.1, and Total scores 15.5 + 0.5, while V scores failed to improve. %BF appears to negatively impact FMS scores (r= -0.36, p=0.0447). Injury rates were not available, but S reported engaging in a structured strength training program. CONCLUSION: There appears to be significant disparities in FMS scores among D3 women. Initial in-season 4-wk improvement was only seen in S players with all scores trending higher. A plausible conclusion is that the structured strength training program by S, compared to no training for V, accounted for these differences. The negative relationship between %BF and lower FMS scores supports prior research that increased BF limits movement quality and increases risk for injury.

Active duty firefighters can improve Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores following an 8-week individualized client workout program.

Firefighting is a dangerous occupation that requires adequate functional movement patterns to help reduce injury risk. Structured programs for improving movement quality have not been studied in firefighters. To examine the effects of an 8-week individualized corrective exercise training program on Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores in active duty firefighters. Fifty-six male firefighters volunteered to participate in the study. All subjects completed baseline FMS testing and scores were entered into the FMS Pro360 system, subscription-based software which generates an individualized corrective exercise workout based on each independent test score. Two, 4-week corrective exercise programs were generated for each participant based on baseline testing. Following the 8-weeks, participants completed follow-up FMS testing. A significant increase in total FMS score (pre = 12.09±2.75, post = 13.66±2.28) was found after the program. A significant increase in stability (pre = 4.13±1.21, post = 4.55±0.83) and advanced movements (pre = 4.45±1.28, post = 5.36±1.29) were also found, however, no difference was observed in mobility tests (3.52±1.09, post = 3.75±0.90). The results suggest an 8-week individualized corrective exercise program was effective at improving scores on the FMS. Providing corrective exercise programs specific to improving levels of dysfunction or maintaining/enhancing function, may increase firefighter preparedness and attempt to minimize injury risk.

Distinct cut task strategy in Australian football players with a history of groin pain

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to explore the differences in the magnitude of movement variability and strategies utilized during an unanticipated cut task between players with and without a history of groin pain. Design Cross-sectional design. Setting Biomechanics laboratory. Particiants Male Australian football players with (HISTORY; n = 7) or without (CONTROL; n = 10) a history of groin pain. Outcome measures Three-dimensional ground reaction forces (GRF) and kinematics were recorded during 10 successful trials of an unanticipated cut task, and isokinetic hip adduction and abduction strength. Between-group differences were determined using independent-samples t -tests and the coefficient of variation (CV). Results Key substantial between-group differences identified were that the HISTORY group displayed decreased knee flexion and hip internal rotation, increased knee internal rotation and T12-L1 right rotation, and higher GRFs during the cut task. They also utilized three invariant systems (ankle, knee and T12-L1 joints), while being connected by a segment (hip and L5-S1 joints) that displayed increased lumbopelvic movement during the cut task, and decreased adductor muscle strength. Conclusion This identifies the need for clinical management of the lower limb and thoracic segment to improve functional movement patterns in athletes with a history of a groin injury.

Management of Gait Impairments in Older Adults

The aim of this article is to highlight the versatility of CoreAlign as it relates to gait in the aging population. Declines in strength, flexibility, and balance can lead to falls, injuries, and even hospitalizations. CoreAlign is uniquely suited to address these areas of dysfunction efficiently by allowing patients to train functional movement patterns. Early clinical experience shows this is a tool that is applicable to a wide range of physical abilities and diagnoses.

The effects of yoga on shoulder and spinal actions for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema of the arm: A randomised controlled pilot study.

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the effect of an 8-week yoga intervention on the shoulder and spinal actions of women with breast cancer-related arm lymphoedema.MethodA randomised controlled pilot trial. The intervention group (n = 12) completed eight weeks of daily yoga sessions while the control group (n = 11) continued with best current care including information on compression sleeves, skin care, risks of temperature variations and recommended safe use of affected arm. Lumbo-pelvic posture, range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder and spine, and strength in shoulder and pectoral major and minor, and serratus anterior were taken at baseline, week 8 and after a 4-week follow-up. Outcome assessors were blinded to allocation.ResultsAt week eight the intervention group had an improvement in lumbo-pelvic posture, as indicated by a reduction in pelvic obliquity compared to the control group (mean difference = −8.39°, 95 % CI: −15.64 to −1.13°, p = 0.023). A secondary finding was that strength in shoulder abduction significantly increased following the yoga intervention in both the affected (9.5 kg; CI: 0.34 to 18.66, p = 0.042) and non-affected arm (11.58 kg; CI: 0.25 to 22.91; p = 0.045). There were no significant between group changes in any ROM measures as a result of the yoga intervention.ConclusionThis pilot study demonstrates that participation in yoga may provide benefits for posture and strength in women with Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema. The improvements may be attributed to the focus of yoga on overall postural and functional movement patterns. Further trials with longer intervention that follow this methodology are warranted.Trial registrationThe Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000202965.

Distinct cut task strategy in Australian football players with a history of groin pain

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the differences in the magnitude of movement variability and strategies utilized during an unanticipated cut task between players with and without a history of groin pain. DesignCross-sectional design. SettingBiomechanics laboratory. ParticiantsMale Australian football players with (HISTORY; n = 7) or without (CONTROL; n = 10) a history of groin pain. Outcome measuresThree-dimensional ground reaction forces (GRF) and kinematics were recorded during 10 successful trials of an unanticipated cut task, and isokinetic hip adduction and abduction strength. Between-group differences were determined using independent-samples t-tests and the coefficient of variation (CV). ResultsKey substantial between-group differences identified were that the HISTORY group displayed decreased knee flexion and hip internal rotation, increased knee internal rotation and T12-L1 right rotation, and higher GRFs during the cut task. They also utilized three invariant systems (ankle, knee and T12-L1 joints), while being connected by a segment (hip and L5-S1 joints) that displayed increased lumbopelvic movement during the cut task, and decreased adductor muscle strength. ConclusionThis identifies the need for clinical management of the lower limb and thoracic segment to improve functional movement patterns in athletes with a history of a groin injury.

Measures of health, fitness, and functional movement among firefighter recruits

Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between various health and fitness measures and Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) scores among 78 firefighter recruits. Methods. Relationships between FMS™ scores and age, body mass index (BMI), sit and reach (S&R) distance, estimated maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max), estimated one-repetition maximum squat (1RM-Squatmax), and plank endurance (%Plankmax) were examined. Results. Total FMS™ scores were significantly correlated with BMI (r = −0.231, p = 0.042), estimated 1RM-Squatmax (r = 0.302, p = 0.007), and %Plankmax (r = 0.320, p = 0.004). Multiple regression analyses indicated that this combination of predictors significantly predicted (F(3, 74) = 5.043, p = 0.003) Total FMS™ score outcomes and accounted for 17% of the total variance (R2 = 0.170). In addition, logistic regression analyses indicated that estimated 1RM-Squatmax also significantly predicted (χ2 = 6.662, df = 1, p = 0.010) FMS™ group membership (≤14 or ≥15). Conclusion. These results suggest that the health and fitness measures of obesity (BMI), bilateral lower extremity strength (estimated 1RM-Squatmax), and core muscular endurance (%Plankmax) are significantly associated with functional movement patterns among firefighter recruits. Consequently, injury prevention programs implemented among firefighter recruits should target these aspects of health and fitness.

Post-stroke hip fracture in older people: A narrative review

Background/Aims: A hip fracture is a serious and common complication after stroke. Individuals often experience particular gait problems post-stroke and may have difficulty with everyday activities such as walking. Therefore, the interventions for falls prevention in older patients should be re-examined when applied to the post-stroke population. This study reviews the risk factors for falls and hip fractures that are specific to the post-stroke population and the measures that may be taken to prevent hip fractures and/or falls in this patient group. Method: A narrative review of articles written in English in the scientific literature on the risk factors, natural history and prevention of hip fractures in post-stroke patients. Results: The interventions that were reviewed showed some benefit to post-stroke patients. These included interventions designed to increase physical activity, water-based exercise, general falls prevention programmes, and the use of force platforms and body weight supported treadmills. More solid evidence was found to support strategies such as the symmetrical use of limbs, which provides appropriate support and an environment where an individual can regain more normal movement patterns. This can be achieved by training in a low-gravity environment using water-based exercises or a body-weight supported treadmill. To perform more symmetrical movements, biofeedback (visual feedback) or a force platform can be used in addition to symmetrical exercises. Conclusions: In a post-stroke population, it is better to pay special attention to the prevention of falls and hip fracture than to rehabilitate after a fracture has occurred. Evaluation and management of the risk factors that contribute to falls should be a priority in post-stroke rehabilitation, focusing on as many risk factors as possible in hip fracture prevention programmes. A variety of techniques should be used to facilitate functional recovery, emphasising symmetry and optimal movement patterns.

RISK OF SPORTS-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES AMONG ELITE WOMEN BASKETBALL PLAYERS ACCORDING TO POSITION ON THE COURT AND SPORT RESULTS

Background. Basketball is a popular sport around the world, the number of players is growing, the probability to experience trauma is increasing, too. Studies have shown that women sustain 60% more injuries than men do. Pre- season physical examination helps to establish sports specific changes in the body of the athlete and to determine risk factors for training, competition, which cause injury to the players. Research aim was to analyse risk of non-contact musculoskeletal injuries in elite women basketball players according to the position on the court. Methods. The study involved 100 players in Lithuanian women basketball league who completed the questionnaire about the level of physical fatigue, performed Lower Quarter Y Balance Test™ and Functional Movement Screen ™ tests during pre-season physical examination in 2014. Data were analysed and compared according to player’s position on the court (guards and forwards). Results. The level of physical fatigue during pre-season period was low in both groups. Dynamic stability of the right leg was better in guards (composite score – 105.2 to 101.8 in forwards) while dynamic stability of the left leg remained the same in both groups. Guards had higher total scores in Functional Movement Screen™ tests pointing to the better quality of basic functional movement patterns. Conclusions. The guard’s playing efficiency during the season was higher than that of forwards and it was associated with better dynamic stability and higher level of physical fatigue at pre-season. Indirect indicators of non-contact musculoskeletal sport injuries showed that guards should have lower risk of non-contact sport-related injuries in women basketball.

Functional Movement Competency and Dynamic Balance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients.

Adolescent patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction may not adequately recover safe movement patterns before returning to sport participation. The aims of this study were to assess functional movement and dynamic balance 9 months after primary ACL reconstruction in adolescent patients, and to assess for any maturity-specific differences that may guide rehabilitation strategies. A series of 39 adolescent patients who underwent primary, anatomic, transphyseal ACL reconstruction using hamstrings autograft from October 2009 to January 2013 were identified from a research database: 17 skeletally immature (SI) patients (mean age 13.6±1.6 y) and 22 skeletally mature (SM) patients (mean age 16.6±1.2 y). An adult reference population of 16 primary ACL reconstruction patients (mean age 27.4±4.0 y) was also identified. All patients followed a standardized operative and rehabilitation protocol. The 3 patient groups were compared 9 months postoperatively using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) to assess movement competency and the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (LQYBT) to assess single-limb dynamic balance. Nine months postoperatively, the FMS scores for all 3 groups indicated an increased risk for lower extremity injury (total score ≤14). With respect to specific movement patterns, the SI group displayed inferior active straight leg raise score (P=0.006) despite a lower incidence of pain with this movement. With the LQYBT, there was no significant difference in mean anterior (P=0.987), posterolateral (P=0.349), or posteromedial (P=0.870) reach asymmetry between the 3 groups; however, the adolescent groups demonstrated wider ranges of anterior reach asymmetry than the adult group indicating an increased risk for injury. Adolescent patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction do not consistently recover adequate functional movement patterns by 9 months postoperatively to permit a safe return to sport. We have identified unique functional movement deficits in SI and SM adolescents, which highlight the need for maturity-specific rehabilitation strategies for adolescent patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. Level IV—retrospective cohort

Effects of Weight-Bearing Biofeedback Training on Functional Movement Patterns Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Randomized controlled trial. To examine the effects of weight-bearing biofeedback training on weight-bearing symmetry and functional joint moments following unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Individuals after unilateral total knee arthroplasty place more weight on the nonsurgical limb compared to the surgical limb during function. It is unknown whether targeted intervention can improve function in the surgical limb and resolve altered movement patterns. Twenty-six patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups (reload or control). The reload group had a standard-of-care rehabilitation augmented with weight-bearing biofeedback training, and the control group had a dose-matched standard-of-care rehabilitation. Lower-limb weight-bearing ratios were measured preoperatively and 6 and 26 weeks after total knee arthroplasty during a 5-time sit-to-stand test (FTSST) and walking. Secondary outcomes were FTSST time, walking speed, and lower-limb joint moments during the FTSST and walking. No between-group differences were found in weight-bearing ratios. Five-time sit-to-stand test time improved in the reload group compared to the control group at 6 (P = .021) and 26 weeks (P = .021). There were no between-group differences in knee extension moment during the FTSST. Surgical-limb knee extension moments during walking increased from baseline to 26 weeks in the reload group and decreased in the control group (P = .008). Weight-bearing biofeedback training had no effect on functional weight-bearing symmetry or knee extension moments during the FTSST. However, the biofeedback training resulted in increases of knee extension moments during gait and improved FTSST times. Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01333189). Level of Evidence Therapy, level 2b.

Low back pain incidence in New Zealand rowers and its relationship with functional movement patterns

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is frequently reported as the most common injury affecting rowers, accounting for 15-40% of all rowing injuries. It is generally believed and promoted within the sports medicine community that screening functional movement patterns is important as an injury prevention strategy and performance strategy. The Movement Competency Screen (MCS) is a tool that consists of five functional movement patterns. It has been shown to be reliable in uninjured subjects but has not been used in injured populations or linked to the injury prevalence and incidence of sporting populations. Purpose: To investigate the incidence of LBP among New Zealand rowers and its relationship with the type and volume of training undertaken, as well as studying the effect LBP has on rowers’ ability to train and compete. A secondary aspect of the study was to investigate the relationship between functional movement patterns as assessed by the MCS and the LBP injury data. Methods: New Zealand representative rowers, 46 males (mean age 22 years, SD 4) and 30 females (mean age 21 years, SD 4) undertook a longitudinal prospective cohort study using a self-reported on-line questionnaire, repeated monthly over a full year, therefore including off-season as well as training and competition phases. The MCS was undertaken at the beginning of the study. Results: 817 (90%) questionnaires were completed, 59 (78%) subjects completed all twelve questionnaires. Injury incidence rate equaled 1.68 per 1000 exposure hours. The cumulative incidence was 95% with 72 new LBP episodes reported. Fifty two percent of subjects experienced at least one new episode of LBP. The point prevalence of LBP was 13.7%. Of these injuries, 45% were incidental, 29% were minor, 18% were

Associations between athletic performance and functional movement patterns in elite baseball players

Associations between athletic performance and functional movement patterns in elite baseball players

Functional Movement Screen Score by Somatotype Category

BACKGROUND: The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a tool used by fitness and health professionals to assess the quality of movement patterns in active populations. The literature has established descriptive values of functional movement screen score in various populations. However there has not yet been a study establishing the descriptive values of FMS score based on the somatotype categories. Establishing these descriptive values mayprovide a better understanding of how an individual’s somatotype affects their ability to move. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to establish descriptive data values for FMS scores for the four simplified somatotype categories (normal, endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph). METHODS: Participants were all healthy college students between the ages of 18-25 years old (male = 29, female = 52, age = 20.48 yrs ± 1.44, height = 170.46 cm ± 10.26, weight = 67.22 kg ± 16.06). Ten basic anthropometric measures were taken on each of the participants to determine somatotype category according to the Heath-Carter Somatotype Method. Following the initial measurements each of the participants completed the FMS evaluation,which consisted of 7 functional movement patterns. Movement patterns were scored (by a certified FMS tester) using the 3-point scale. RESULTS: Of the 83 participants, participants were identified as follows: 33 mesomorphs, 16 endomorphs, 8 ectomorphs, 24 as central, and 2 were dropped from study for falsifying information. There was no significant difference between mean overall FMS scores for each category (endomorph 17.63±1.09, mesomorph 17.64±1.11, ectomorph 17.63 ± 1.06, central 17.58 ± 1.25). CONCLUSION: In the case of healthy young adults there appears to be very little variance in overall FMS scores between the four simplified somatotype categories. Supported by Grand Valley State University Presidential Grant

Relationships Among Injury History, Flexibility And Fms Score In College Dance Majors

Dancers are at an increased risk of low back pain (LBP) and lower extremity (LE) musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive high velocity end range movements. Previous injuries, movement pattern inefficiency (poor movement control), and excessive flexibility are suggested contributors to injury in dancers. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a tool used to assess functional movement performance with emerging evidence for injury prediction. PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between injury history, total body flexibility and movement pattern performance in college dance majors. METHODS: Twenty-one, currently injury free, female dance majors (mean age: 18.1 ± 0.74, height: 161.3 ± 5.5 cm, weight: 57.6 ± 8.4 kg), completed the FMS (0-21), a flexibility assessment (Beighton score; 0-9), and an injury history questionnaire. Spearman’s rho (rs) correlations were used to assess the hypotheses that a higher number of dance related injuries and history of LBP would be moderately associated with excessive flexibility (higher Beighton score) and poorer functional movement patterns (lower FMS score). RESULTS: The median and range of the FMS and Beighton scores were: FMS (15, 5-19); Beighton (1, 0-5). The mean number of dance related injuries were 1.8 ± 1.3 (71.8% in the LE). 17 of 21 had a previous LE injury while eight (17.9%) dancers had a history of LBP. There was no relationship between history of LBP and FMS (rs = -.02, p= .94) or Beighton score (rs = .16, p= .48), and the number of dance injuries and Beighton score (rs = .06, p = .78). Beighton and FMS scores were not significantly associated (rs = .27, p =.24). However, a significant and moderate negative association existed between FMS score and number of dance injuries (rs = - .57, p = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that an increased number of previous injuries is associated with poorer movement pattern control in dancers and explains 25% of the variance in the FMS scores. Over 70% of reported injuries were LE and FMS heavily assesses LE movement patterns. Further studies are needed to examine the utility of the FMS for identifying injury risk in dancers.

Quality of functional movement patterns and injury examination in elite-level male professional football players.

The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of functional movement patterns among one of Hungary's first league soccer clubs, where the elite male football players (N = 20) utilize the well-established Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS) system; a comprehensive functional program designed to determine and identify the quality of movement and the greatest risk factors for non-contact injuries. Furthermore, an additional purpose of this program is to examine injuries over the course of 6 competitive months. Focusing on the mechanisms of injuries and their causes in the lower extremities during this period is one of the key objectives. Over the course of 6 months we found significant differences between ankle injuries and the FMS Hurdle Step exercise (p < 0.05), and the FMS Deep Squat exercise and knee and hip injuries (p < 0.05). The FMS pre-screening system found lower limb asymmetry present in 40% of the participants. The authors believe that the importance of preventative measures and structural sport specific pre-screening cannot be overemphasized, and that there is a growing need for further transparent research in this field in order to be more effective with regard to programs dedicated to injury prevention and the enhancement players' physical performance.

Cognitive functional approach to manage low back pain in male adolescent rowers: a randomised controlled trial

Background Low back pain (LBP) is prevalent among adolescent rowers. This study evaluated the efficacy of a cognitive functional approach to reduce LBP in this population. Methods Thirty-six adolescent male...

Changes in functional movement screen scores over a season in collegiate soccer and volleyball athletes.

Changes in many aspects of physical capacity and athletic performance have been documented through the course of a competitive season in collegiate athletes. Movement pattern quality as measured by the functional movement screen (FMS) has recently been linked to performance and injury risk. The purpose of this study was to document the changes in functional movement patterns over a competitive season. Fifty-seven National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II athletes were screened using the FMS as part of the pre and post participation examination for their competitive seasons in 2012. Composite and individual FMS test scores for the preseason and postseason were compared with identified significant changes. The scores were also analyzed for changes in the number of asymmetries present and the frequency of a score of 1 in any of the tests. There were no significant interactions in the main effects for time or sport in the composite FMS scores. However, 4 individual tests did show significant change. The deep squat (Z = -3.260, p = 0.001) and in-line lunge scores (Z = -3.498, p < 0.001) improved across all athletes, and the active straight leg raise (Z = -2.496, p = 0.013) and rotary stability scores (Z = -2.530, p = 0.011) worsened across all athletes. A reduction in the number of asymmetries (χ = 4.258, p = 0.039) and scores of 1 (χ = 26.148, p < 0.001) were also found. Changes in individual fundamental movement patterns occur through the course of a competitive season.

Resistance Training Reduces Disability in Prostate Cancer Survivors on Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesTo investigate whether functionally based resistance exercise could improve strength, physical function, and disability among prostate cancer survivors (PCS) on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); and to explore potential mediators of changes in outcomes from exercise. DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingAcademic medical center. ParticipantsPCS (N=51; mean age, 70.2y) on ADT. InterventionPCS were randomized to moderate to vigorous intensity resistance training or stretching (placebo control) for 1 year. Main Outcome MeasuresMaximal leg press and bench press strength, objective and self-reported physical function, and self-reported disability. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test for significant group × time differences adjusting for covariates. ResultsRetention in the study was 84%, and median attendance to supervised classes was 84% in the resistance group. No study-related injuries occurred. Maximal leg strength (P=.032) and bench press strength (P=.027) were improved after 1 year of resistance training, whereas little change occurred from stretching. Self-reported physical function improved with resistance training, whereas decreases occurred from stretching (P=.016). Disability lessened more with resistance training than stretching (P=.018). One-year change in leg press strength mediated the relation between groups (resistance or stretching) and 1-year change in self-reported disability (P<.05). ConclusionsOne year of resistance training improved muscle strength in androgen-deprived PCS. Strengthening muscles using functional movement patterns may be an important feature of exercise programs designed to improve perceptions of physical function and disability. Findings from this study contribute to the mounting evidence that exercise should become a routine part of clinical care in older men with advanced prostate cancer.