Functional Movement Screen Test Research Articles

Comparison of the Effects of Pilates and Yoga Exercise on the Dynamic Balancing Ability and Functional Movement of Fencers.

This study was conducted to compare and analyze whether Pilates exercise and yoga exercise help improve the performance of female fencers and prevent injury, and the dynamic balance test (LQ-YBT) and functional movement screening (FMS) test score of the elite adult female fencers were compared and analyzed as evaluation indicators. Participants were randomly classified into Pilates (n = 10) and yoga groups (n = 10), members of which took part in 50 min of exercise (5 min of warm-up, 40 min of main exercise, and 5 min of cool-down) twice weekly for eight weeks. The results obtained from this study were analyzed via independent t-test and 2-way ANOVA. The results were as follows: LQ-YBT measures (reaching distance) increased significantly for both groups, as did FMS scores (deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise, trunk-stability push-up, and rotary stability). These results suggest that Pilates exercise and yoga exercise might be likely effective in improving the performance of adult female fencers and injury prevention by increasing their dynamic balance ability and functional movement.

Sports promote brain evolution: a resting-state fMRI study of volleyball athlete.

Long-term skill learning can lead to structure and function changes in the brain. Different sports can trigger neuroplasticity in distinct brain regions. Volleyball, as one of the most popular team sports, heavily relies on individual abilities such as perception and prediction for high-level athletes to excel. However, the specific brain mechanisms that contribute to the superior performance of volleyball athletes compared to non-athletes remain unclear. We conducted a study involving the recruitment of ten female volleyball athletes and ten regular female college students, forming the athlete and novice groups, respectively. Comprehensive behavioral assessments, including Functional Movement Screen and audio-visual reaction time tests, were administered to both groups. Additionally, resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were acquired for both groups. Subsequently, we conducted in-depth analyses, focusing on the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and functional connectivity (FC) in the brain for both the athlete and novice groups. No significant differences were observed in the behavioral data between the two groups. However, the athlete group exhibited noteworthy enhancements in both the ALFF and ReHo within the visual cortex compared to the novice group. Moreover, the functional connectivity between the visual cortex and key brain regions, including the left primary sensory cortex, left supplementary motor cortex, right insula, left superior temporal gyrus, and left inferior parietal lobule, was notably stronger in the athlete group than in the novice group. This study has unveiled the remarkable impact of volleyball athletes on various brain functions related to vision, movement, and cognition. It indicates that volleyball, as a team-based competitive activity, fosters the advancement of visual, cognitive, and motor skills. These findings lend additional support to the early cultivation of sports talents and the comprehensive development of adolescents. Furthermore, they offer fresh perspectives on preventing and treating movement-related disorders. Registration number: ChiCTR2400079602. Date of Registration: January 8, 2024.

The Relationship Between Functional Movement Screening and Joint Range of Motion, Y-Balance Test and Countermovement Jump in Amateur Soccer Players

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between a functional movement screening (FMS) test and joint range of motion (ROM), balance (YBT), and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in amateur soccer players. A study was conducted with 25 male amateur soccer players to assess their physical abilities using various tests. The tests included FMS, YBT, CMJ, ROM for shoulder extension, hip abduction, hip external rotation, and ankle dorsi/plantar flexion. Pearson’s correlation test was used to examine the association between the variables. A significant positive correlation between the FMS and CMJ (r=0.424, p

Functional Movement Screening Test in Female Athletes with Visual Impairments

Background: Vision provides 80% of human sensory perception. Hence, loss of the visual sense can cause severe motor problems. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the total score of functional movement screening test (FMSTM) and its components in three groups B1, B2 and B3 in female athletes who are visually impaired. Methods: Seventy-three female athletes with visual acuity at different levels of blindness (B1, B2 and B3) were selected as participants. Functional movement were measured by FMS tests including deep squats, hurdle steps, in-line lunges, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raises, trunk stability push-ups, and rotary stability. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22, using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: The finding showed that the quality of performing functional movements declined with blindness acuity, but it was not significant statistically in total score of functional movement screen (FMS) test between groups. However, there was a significant difference between B1 with B2 group only at the inline lunge. Conclusions: Therefore, coaches are recommended to include FMSTM in the programs for screening, pre-participation, and assessments of athletes with visual impairments to improve functional movements.

Application Research of Functional Movement Screen in Weightlifting Athletes

This study aimed to investigate the functional movements and the causes of injuries of weightlifting athletes by Functional Movement Screen test, and improve the physical training approaches for weightlifting athletes. Six weightlifting athletes from Hainan Provincial Sports Academy were screened for the Functional Movement Screen test. The test results were evaluated and analyzed by the researchers. The test items included the shoulder flexibility, the active straight leg raise, the trunk stability push-up, the rotary stability test, the deep squat, the hurdle step and the inline lunge. The average score of weightlifting athletes was 15.5 points. The average score for the inline lunge was 3 points, the hurdle step had an average score of 2.8 points, but the average score for shoulder flexibility was less than 1 point. The trunk strength and lower limb strength of weightlifting athletes were at relatively high levels, but shoulder flexibility was relatively weak.

Study on the Application of Functional Movement Screen in the Design of Individualized Physical Training Programs for Adolescents

This article aims to explore the application and effects of Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in the design of individualized physical training programs for adolescents. The introduction section introduces FMS as a tool to assess the quality of movement patterns, its current application status in various sports fields, and points out that its application in physical training for adolescents is still an under explored zone. The research method section adopts a quantitative research method to analyze the application of FMS in designing individualized physical training programs and its impact on physical training effects and sports injuries through FMS testing and physical training of 100 adolescent athletes aged between 12-16 years. The results show that the application of FMS testing can effectively improve the movement patterns of adolescent athletes, enhance their physical performance, and reduce the risk of sports injuries. However, there are also some limitations in the study, such as the relatively small sample size and short training duration, which may affect the stability and generalization of the results. The conclusion summarizes that the application of FMS testing in the design of individualized physical training programs for adolescents has positive effects, providing new theoretical and practical guidance for adolescent physical training. However, more research is still needed to further validate these results.

Relationship between functional movement screen scores and postural stability in football players: An asymmetrical approach

Introduction: Unilateral preference is dominant due to the intensive use of sport-specific movements in football. However, little is known about the possible correlation between unilateral functional movement and the center of pressure-based postural performance. The main aim of this study is to examine the correlation between functional movement screen (FMS) and postural stability in football players from an asymmetrical perspective. Materials and Methods: Fifty professional football players (male n = 25; age 21.40 ± 1.94 years; female n = 25; age 21.04 ± 1.24 years) volunteered for this study. All subjects completed a FMS test consisting of seven items and postural sway measures for dominant and non-dominant sides. Spearman’s correlation and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used for statistical processing. Results: A negative correlation was found between dominant and non-dominant sides FMS in scores and postural sway parameters in both male and female groups (p < .05). Hurdle step (HS) and rotary stability (RS) proved to be strong predictors of postural stability for both groups (p < .001). No significant differences were observed between dominant and nondominant sides in FMS items and postural sway parameters in both groups (p > .05). Conclusions: The correlation of the FMS and postural sway measures may be useful to identify possible postural problems in football players. Therefore, the FMS test may be preferred by practitioners and physiotherapists.

THE EFFECT OF THERAPEUTIC GAME EDUCATION ON PHYSICAL HEALTH IN CHILDREN WITH BACK MUSCLE WEAKNESS

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of therapeutic play training on physical health in 10-12 year old children with back muscle weakness. Experimental research model was used in the study. According to the results of the Functional Movement Screening test, 16 children (8 Study, 8 Control) with back muscle weakness were included in the study as participants. According to the pre-test analysis results, children with weak back muscles were given therapeutic play training with 7 different games adapted to increase healthy posture and physical development for 8 weeks and 3 days a week. At the end of the therapeutic game education application process, the FMS test (post-test) was administered to the children again and the results were recorded. The groups were homogeneously distributed, independent sample t-test was used to determine the difference between the research and control groups, and paired sample t-test was used to compare the data within groups. All statistical values obtained were evaluated at 95% confidence interval and significance was evaluated at p<0.05 level. According to the findings obtained from the study, a statistically significant difference was found when the FMS pre-test-post-test results of the children in the study group, in which therapeutic games were applied, were analyzed (p<0.05). As a result of the FMS pre-test before the education program was started, it was determined that 7 of the 8 participants, who could not reach a sufficient score and whose back muscles were found to be weak, reached a sufficient score according to the FMS post-test results after the applications, and only 1 participant showed positive development although he could not get a sufficient score. When the FMS pre-post test results applied to the control group were examined, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference p>0.05.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization training using the inertial load of water on functional movement and postural sway in middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChronic stress and diseases occur more frequently in middle-aged compared to younger women and this is often the result of physical, psychological and socio-economic changes. These health consequences reduce lower body muscle mass and flexibility, leading to generalized impairments in functional movement and balance. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) training using the inertial load of water is known for its positive impact on functional strength improvement and muscle stabilization.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effect of DNS training using inertial water loads on functional movement and postural sway in middle-aged women.MethodA sample of 24 middle-aged women participated in the study and were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group, n = 12 (age: 58.33 ± 1.48 yrs, height: 162.16 ± 1.27 cm, weight: 61.77 ± 2.21 kg) and control group, n = 12 (age: 59.58 ± 1.13 yrs, height: 160.1 ± 1.13 cm, weight: 57.51 ± 1.12 kg). Center of Pressure (COP), moving distance, Root Mean Square (RMS), movement area and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) were conducted and analyzed pre- and post-examination. Participants engaged in the DNS training regimen, which utilized the inertial load of water, for 60 min each session, conducted twice weekly for 12 weeks.ResultsThere were significant differences in the COP distance (p < 0.001), RMS (p < 0.05), COP area and FMS test (p < 0.001) in the pre-post comparison of each group. And significant differences were found in COP distance (p < 0.05), RMS (p < 0.05), COP area (p < 0.05) and FMS test (p < 0.05) between groups. The DNS training improved the dynamic stability of single-leg standing, torso stability and functional movement in middle-aged women.ConclusionDNS training programs using the inertial load of water have been shown to be effective in movement improvement and posture retention ability, which is beneficial for functional movement, equilibrium strategy, and dynamic stability of middle-aged women. Furthermore, the DNS training method designed in this study can be useful for trainees who require posture correction in a safe and effective way regardless of their age and gender.

Functional movement screen test as an predictor for jumping tests performance and on-ice skating sprint in elite level ice hockey players.

Background. The main purpose of this research was to establish selected motor skills measured in off-ice and on-ice conditions in ice hockey players using the functional movement screen test, vertical jumps, and on-ice sprints. Material and Methods. The present study measured fifty-four (n=54) elite-level ice hockey players, competing in the top-level league in Poland (Polish Ice Hockey League, PHL) during the 2019/2020 season. Tests were divided into off-ice and on-ice protocols. The off-ice tests consisted of body composition measurements (including body weight, muscle mass, % of body fat), functional movement screening (FMS), measurements of jump height and power of the lower limbs, including countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and drop jump (DJ). On-ice tests were divided into skating sprint testing measured in splits (0-10m, 10-30m), and total sprint between 0-30m. Furthermore, the maximal skating sprint was also measured between blue lines (15m). Results were correlated between FMS tests, vertical jump tests, and on-ice skating tests. The relationships between the variables were quantified using Pearson’s product-moment correlation. The aim of this study was to highlight off-ice protocols, which can best predict on-ice parameters. Fitness profiling involved division into forwards and defenders and the calculations were also performed for a whole group of hockey players. Results. The study showed a strong correlation between total points scored in FMS with the vertical jumps and skating sprints, especially in the defender group in CMJ jump height r = 0.69 (p &lt; 0.001) and 30m skating sprint r = 0.7 (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions. The study found positive correlations between FMS tests and off-ice and on-ice parameters, showing that the FMS test could be used to predict ice skating performance.

Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Shoulder Rotational Mobility- Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

Aim: Shoulder mobility has an important place in both sports and daily life activities. The low rotational mobility of the shoulder in sports injuries is considered to be in the first place in the aetiology. The innervational and myofascial connection between the diaphragm muscle and the shoulder is known. This study aims to examine the instantaneous effect of the breathing exercise focused on the diaphragm muscle on shoulder mobility. Method: 136 young, healthy, recreationally active adults aged 18-25 years were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups the intervention group (n=86) and the control group (n=50). The control group did nothing for 90 seconds while the intervention group engaged in the diaphragmatic breathing technique that had previously been taught. Shoulder mobility was assessed using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) test both before and after the intervention. Results: Although substantial gains in shoulder mobility were observed in both shoulders of the intervention group, only the left shoulder in the control group exhibited a significant increase in mobility. In the comparison between the groups, there is a significant difference in both arms before and after the intervention (p&amp;lt;0,05). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the impact of diaphragmatic exercise on shoulder mobility. Nevertheless, for cases involving shoulder pain or considerable mobility limitations, further studies are necessary to evaluate not only the acute effects but also the outcomes of longer-term training.

Functional Movement Screen Differences in Male and Female Footballers and as an Injury Prevention Tool

Functional Movement Screen evaluates seven key movement tasks crucial for smooth kinetic chain performance in sports. It assists sports therapists and coaches in identifying faulty patterns during preparticipation. Objectives: To compare FMS composite scores between male and female footballers and evaluate FMS as an injury predictor tool. Methods: Between March and June 2021, a cohort study was conducted on 264 footballers (132 males and 132 females) in Islamabad and Rawalpindi football academies. Players voluntarily underwent seven Functional Movement Screen tests. After participating in competitive or friendly matches, follow-ups were conducted to assess FMS composite scores and document any injuries sustained during the games. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, and information on FMS scores and injuries was collected through FMS scoring sheets and a self-structured questionnaire. Results: There was statistically significant difference between male and female footballers composite scores of FMS (p&lt;0.005). Female footballers (15.13 ± 2.32) scored less on mean score of FMS as compared to male footballers (17.03 ± 2.884). FMS was a good predictor of injury with 37.7 % variance on linear regression (p=0.005). Conclusions: Female footballers scored less composite score of FMS as compared to male footballers. FMS before participation can be a good predictor for detecting injuries in male and female footballers.

Markerless vision-based functional movement screening movements evaluation with deep neural networks

The functional movement screen (FMS) test is a seven-test battery used to assess fundamental movement abilities of individuals. It is commonly used to predict sports injuries but relies on clinical expertise and is not suitable for self-examination. This study presents an automatic FMS movement assessment framework using a multi-view deep neural network called MVDNN. The framework combines automatic skeleton extraction with manual feature selection to extract 3D trajectory features of human skeleton joints from two different directions. Three mainstream methods of time-series modeling are then used to learn high-level feature representation from skeleton sequences, and motion features from two views are fused to provide complementary information. Results of public FMS movements dataset demonstrate that our MVDNN outperforms current state-of-the-art methods with an average miF1 score of 0.857, maF1 score of 0.768, and Kappa score of 0.640 over ten runs.

Relationship of functional movement screening with balance and flexibility in adult nonathletes—an observational study

BackgroundThe functional movement screening (FMS), Flamingo balance, Y balance, and sit and reach tests are the screening tools for fundamental movement patterns, balance, and flexibility, respectively; the latter three tests are components of quantifying fitness levels. Functional movement screening is used to measure the quality of movement, and it is an injury risk predictor. There are several studies done to find the correlation between functional movement screening and fitness parameters in athletes but has not been studied much in non-athlete population. The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between functional movement screening with static and dynamic balance and flexibility in healthy adult nonathletes, and to find gender differences, if any.MethodA total of 65 healthy nonathletes in the age group 18 to 27 years were included in the study based on the selection criteria. The functional movement screening, Y-balance test, Flamingo balance test, and sit and reach test were done for all participants.ResultsPearson’s correlation was used to analyze the collected data. The results indicated a poor correlation between FMS and fitness parameters. These are FMS and Y-balance test left and right side (r = 0.216, 0.144, p = 0.084, 0.251), FMS with Flamingo balance test left and right side (r = 0.071, 0.197 p = 0.575, 0.115), and FMS with sit and reach test (r = 0.006, p = 0.961).ConclusionThe results showed that functional movement screening and balance (Flamingo and Y balance) and sit and reach cannot be used interchangeably as they do not have any strong correlation. The results of the study also indicate that using only one of the tools cannot predict injury risk in healthy individuals. They have to be used in conjunction with each other.

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.

Force plate testing is correlated with jumping performance in elite Nordic skiers

IntroductionSki jumping (SJ) and Nordic combined (NC) athletes are at higher risk for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) compared to the general population. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between force plate testing metrics, Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores, and radiographic signs of FAI and SJ performance. MethodsElite SJ and NC athletes were prospectively recruited. FMS testing was performed to assess muscular imbalance, instability, and immobility. Vertical jump testing was performed using a commercially available force plate device. Ski jump score and distance score were measured on a single jump for each athlete. ResultsTwenty-one athletes (10 SJ, 11 NC) with competition scores were included. On FMS testing, most SJ (67%) and NC (73%) athletes demonstrated core instability. There were higher rates of hip instability and ankle stiffness among SJ athletes, although not statistically significant (P > .05). Ski jump distance score was significantly positively correlated with force plate vertical jump height, maximum acceleration, maximum velocity, concentric impulse, counter-movement depth, and flight time (P < .05). FMS testing results and radiographic FAI were not significantly associated with competition scores. ConclusionsOur results show significant positive correlations between competition scores and force plate jump testing performance as measured by jump height, acceleration, maximum velocity, counter-movement depth, and concentric impulse in elite SJ and NC athletes. Our findings suggest that ski jumpers may benefit from training that emphasizes stretch-shortening cycles and eccentric-to-concentric contraction transition, which may optimize their performance and promote joint stability.

Differences between functional movement screen and somatotype to young handball and volleyball players

Introduction. Handball and volleyball are among the world's popular sports, which are played practically in every country at different levels of competition. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in somatotype and morphological characteristics between young handball players and volleyball players as well as the differences in the results of functional body mobility tests between the tested groups. Material and Methods. The research included a sample of 23 female athletes who were divided into two subsamples, as follows. A total of 12 athletes were from the Handball team and a total of 11 athletes were from the Volleyball team. The following anthropometric measurements were conducted: Height and body mass, four skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, supraspinal and calf), breadths (humerus and femur diameters) and girths (arm and calf). Body mass (kg) and body fat (%) of the subjects were measured by the method of bioelectrical impedance (TANITA 545N) with an accuracy of 0.1 kg. Functional Movement Score is a scanning system which includes seven steps (i.e., deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability). Results. The results of the study in female handball players recorded a higher percentage of body fat and body mass index compared to female volleyball players (p &lt;.05), while no statistically significant difference was recorded in body weight and height. Analyzing the somatotype of players, it is noticeable that handball players have higher values of endomorphism and mesomorphism, while volleyball players have higher values of ectomorphism. Statistically significant differences were observed in mesomorph and ectomorph (p &lt;.001). In the Functional Movement Screen test, it was noticeable that statistically significant differences were recorded in the two variables (Shoulder mobility and trunk stability push up) in favor of the volleyball players, as well as in the overall standings, while in the other variables no statistically significant difference was recorded. Conclusions. Determining somatotype must occupy the attention of coaches who work with young athletes. Movement-based assessment serves to pinpoint functional deficits (or bio-markers) related to proprioceptive, mobility and stability weaknesses.

The Influence of Age and Dynamic Balance on Functional Movement Among Active-Duty Police Officers.

Although occupational injuries for police officers cannot be prevented, factors that contribute to musculoskeletal injury risk could be better identified to inform preventative interventions. Previous research has supported screening tools such as the functional movement screen (FMS) and Y-Balance Test (YBT) as possible indicators of musculoskeletal injury risk. The purposes of this study are to (1)examine the relationships between age, dynamic balance, and functional movement in police officers and (2)determine how much variance in functional movement is predicted by age and dynamic balance. This study was conducted in a university research laboratory as part of an ongoing collaboration with a local police department. All data for the current study were collected across 2 separate laboratory visits within a 14-day period. Thirty-five active-duty police officers (31men and 4 women; mean [SD], age 33.4 [9.4]y, height 177.4 [8.0]cm, body mass 88.4 [15.3]kg) volunteered to participate in this study. Functional movement was assessed using the FMS, and FMS overall scores were calculated. Dynamic balance was assessed via the YBT, and lower quarter Y-Balance Test scores (LQYBT%) were calculated. There was a significant negative correlation between FMS overall score and age (r = -.641, P < .001). Correlations between FMS overall score and LQYBT% and between LQYBT% and age were not statistically significant. Age and LQYBT% scores significantly predicted FMS overall scores (F2,32 = 11.162, P < .001), accounting for 41.1% of the variance in FMS overall scores (R2 = .411) with age being the only significant predictor. This study confirms that age and FMS overall score have a strong, negative relationship, suggesting that age may be a contributing factor to movement quality and may lead to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury within this unique population.

Effect of 10-Week Progressive Stretching Exercise Programme on Functional Limitations of Musculoskeletal System

Abstract Introduction The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a progressive stretching exercise programme on the functional limitations in physically active women. Material and Methods Thirty-six women took part in the study. All of them attended fitness classes (step, fat burning) at least twice a week. The study included women aged 19-26 who were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of women who performed a set of progressive stretching exercises twice a week for a period of two months after training sessions. Group 2 (the control group) included women who neither performed any exercises nor received any treatment after training sessions. On the first day of the study, each woman was subjected to the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), the Core Muscle Strength and Stability Test (CMS---amp---ST) and the Sit and Reach test (to the right and left side) before starting their fitness class. Afterwards, group 1 performed progressive stretching exercises as instructed, i.e. twice a week for approximately 20 minutes after classes, for a period of ten weeks. After ten weeks, all women performed FMS, CMS---amp---ST and Sit and Reach tests again. Results The overall FMS test scores of both groups before implementing the exercise programme were not significantly different. After ten weeks, the women from group 1 significantly improved their overall scores in FMS (p ---lt--- 0.001). There were no significant differences in the control group. Significant improvements in the Core Muscle Strength and Stability test scores were observed in both groups. For the Sit and Reach test, there was a significant improvement in performance in group 1 (p ---lt--- 0.001), while a regression was noted in group 2. Conclusions Stretching exercises can have a beneficial effect on minimising the musculoskeletal system’s functional limitations. It is advisable to include post-training complementary exercises to prevent injury.

Clustered Associations between Musculoskeletal Fitness Tests and Functional Movement Screen in Physically Active Men.

Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a tool used to assess fundamental movement patterns. There are relationships between musculoskeletal fitness (MSF) and a FMS. However, there is limited data regarding the multidimensional associations between these two constructs. This study is aimed at investigating the associations and detailed structures of FMS components and MSF components and identifying a deeper detailed structure of their relations to physical fitness. The study sample included 114 physically active men with an average body height of 1.81 ± 0.07 (cm), body weight of 80.61 ± 9.49 (kg), and a BMI of 24.65 ± 2.46 (kg/m2). Each participant performed a FMS test, sit-and-reach (S&R) test, sit-ups (ABS) evaluation, balance evaluation on an AMTI platform, handgrip strength (HG) testing, and standing broad jump (SBJ) ability. The Kendall's Tau correlation was performed to identify simple associations between FMS and MSF. Cluster analysis was used to determine the multidimensional nature of the relationships. In the vast majority, a positive correlation was observed suggesting that a high level of MSF improved FMS test results. A cluster analysis revealed 4 separate clusters. Shoulder mobility (SM) was identified as a single cluster. A strong similarity was observed between SBJ and trunk stability push-up (TSPU) forming a second cluster. This cluster joined to another consisting of the S&R test and active straight leg raise (ASLR) test. The last cluster consisted of HG and hurdle step (HS). These results confirmed that FMS and MSF tests measure the same constructs-a foundation for an individual's motor coordination, muscle strength, postural stability, and dynamic balance. This knowledge could be helpful in effectively enhancing physical performance based on combining similar constructs to accelerate the achievement of established goals.