Functional Movement ScreenTM Scores Research Articles

The Functional Movement Screen andSelf-reported Injury inSenior Military College Cadets.

Secular trend of increasing musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) across all branches of the U.S. Military is a critical limiting factor in the effective and efficient process of preparing military personnel for combat. The need to evaluate functional capacity beyond current physical fitness test (PFT) standards is the key in understanding an individual's risk of noncombat-related injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMS) scores, incidence of musculoskeletal injuries, and standardized PFT scores among freshman Cadets during their first 10 weeks of enrollment at a senior military college. Eighty-two participants (72 male and 10 female participants; mage: 18.2 years) completed the FMS, an institution-specific PFT (2-min maximum pushups, 2-min maximum abdominal crunches, and 1.5 mile timed run), and an Incidence of Injury and Incidence of Pain Questionnaire. Independent t-tests, Spearman's rank correlation coefficients logistic regression analysis, and Receiver Operator Curves were performed to evaluate relationships between the study variables. FMS composite and PFT sex-normed total scores were higher in females (16.4, 236.1) than in males (15.0, 204.9). Ninety percent of all females reported injury or pain during the 10-week survey period compared to 48% of males. No significant difference between FMS scores and injury and pain was found within both sex groups. Therefore, use of the composite FMS score as an indicator for risk of injury or to predetermine PFT performance is not recommended for this study's population. The rate of incidence of injury or pain in Cadets during a 10-week enrolment period is high. Females outperformed males in the FMS and PFT and reported higher rates of injury and pain. The utility of the FMS may be limited when substantially scaled for implementation across entire military populations. Future research should evaluate performance associations of the FMS with Army Combat Fitness Test components in a population of equally distributed sex and race.

Effectiveness of Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Movement Performance in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects more than 80% of people in the United States at least once in their lifetime. LBP is one of the most common complaints prompting individuals to seek medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of spinal stabilization exercises (SSEs) on movement performance, pain intensity, and disability level in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Forty participants, 20 in each group, with CLBP were recruited and randomly allocated into one of two interventions: SSEs and general exercises (GEs). All participants received their assigned intervention under supervision one to two times per week for the first four weeks and then were asked to continue their program at home for another four weeks. Outcome measures were collected at baseline, two weeks, four weeks, and eight weeks, including the Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMSTM), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (OSW) scores. There was a significant interaction for the FMSTM scores (p = 0.016), but not for the NPRS and OSW scores. Post hoc analysis showed significant between-group differences between baseline and four weeks (p = 0.005) and between baseline and eight weeks (p = 0.026) favor SSEs over GEs. Further, the results demonstrated that all participants, regardless of group, had significant improvements in movement performance, pain intensity, and disability level over time. The results of the study favor SSEs over GEs in improving movement performance for individuals with CLBP, specifically after four weeks of the supervised SSE program.

Effective Interventions for Improving Functional Movement Screen Scores Among "High-Risk" Athletes: A Systematic Review.

BackgroundThe Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMSTM) is a tool designed to screen a series of movements that aids in the identification of compensatory fundamental movement patterns, functional limitations, and asymmetrical movement patterns. A previous systematic review and meta-analysis has shown that athletes with an FMSTM score <13-14 are considered “high-risk” and are more likely to be injured. There are discrepancies regarding the efficacy of physical intervention programs in improving FMSTM scores.PurposeThe aim of this systematic review was to assess the role of physical intervention programs in increasing functional movement in “high-risk” athletes as measured by the FMSTM.Study DesignSystematic ReviewMethodsA computerized search was performed in 2019 according to PRISMA guidelines searching Embase, Science Direct, Ovid, and PubMed. The studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias using the Modified Downs and Black checklist. Participant demographics, intervention routines, and FMSTM scores were extracted from the included studies.ResultsSix studies met the inclusion criteria and demonstrated a fair methodological quality. Comparisons across all studies revealed significant improvement in FMSTM scores following implementation of a variety of physical intervention programs. These programs included those that utilized functional training, foot muscle strengthening, Pilates, core stability training, and resistance movements. Despite variations in the corrective exercises performed, the number of training sessions, and the length of the intervention program, all studies demonstrated an increase in the total FMSTM score following program implementation.ConclusionThe included intervention programs significantly improved total FMSTM scores in “high-risk” athletes. Despite variations in the corrective exercises (interventions) performed, the number of training sessions, and the length of the program, all studies demonstrated a significant increase in the total FMSTM score following program implementation.

Establishment and validation of Institute of Aerospace Medicine-Exercise Maneuver Protocol (IAM-EMP)

Introduction: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSK-I) are among the most common contributors of disabilities worldwide. Aircrew given their charter of duties have a higher risk of developing MSK-I. Functional assessment of aircrew after recovery is conducted at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) Bengaluru. The maneuvers utilized in the present assessment lack objectivity and scorability. Hence, this study aimed at establishing an exercise maneuver protocol (EMP), henceforth referred to as IAM-EMP, which could overcome the existing shortcomings. Material and Methods: 202 age-matched aircrew (180 males/ 22 females) were selected and classified into control (100 healthy aircrew) and experimental (102 aircrew with MSK-I) groups. All aircrew underwent the complete human engineering (HE) assessment. In addition, Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) was carried out. Jump test was added to FMS™ after defining its scorability criteria to form the IAM-EMP. EMP was scored on a scale of 0-24. The scores were compiled and analyzed. Results: Descriptive analysis showed comparable male and female FMS™ and EMP Scores. Cutoff scores of FMS™ and EMP for the study population were defined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Area under the curve for EMP was found to be statistically better than FMS™ (P &lt; 0.05) in predicting fitness of an aircrew keeping complete HE assessment as gold standard. EMP was validated on randomly selected 50 aircrew (25 from each group). Conclusion: IAM-EMP is an objective and scorable tool which can be used on both male and female aircrew between 18 and 45 years of age for their functional assessment post recovery from an MSK-I. Incorporation of the tool with other components of HE assessment would improve the yield of overall evaluation.

Using The Functional Movement Screen™ To Predict In-Season Injuries Of Division III Collegiate Volleyball Players

Volleyball (VB) participation has increased over the years, and thus, injury rates have also increased (Agel et al., 2007). The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS) has been used to identify functional movement limitations and imbalances that might predispose an athlete to injury (Bonazza et al., 2016; Cook, 2010; Lehr et al., 2013) however, few studies have included VB players. PURPOSE: To assess the functional movements and balance of collegiate VB players and to determine if the occurrence of injury during a season could have been predicted from a player’s FMS score. METHODS: Division III collegiate female VB players (N = 22; M ± SD, Age: 19.5 ± 0.9 yrs) completed the FMS and Y Balance Test (YBT; Plisky et al., 2009) prior to the competitive season. During the season injuries that resulted in missed practice/competition were recorded by the athletic trainer at the time of the injury. To compare the injured (n = 10) and non-injured (n = 12) athletes one-way ANOVAs were calculated for FMS and YBT scores. To determine a FMS threshold score for injury occurrence, 2 × 2 contingency tables were constructed for FMS scores 13 to 18. From table data injury prediction statistics were calculated: 1) sensitivity (true +/+ test); 2) specificity (true - / - test); 3) odds ratios (strength of the association between FMS cut-off score and injury risk); 4) predictive values (% of + or - tests that correctly identify a player with or without an injury). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the preseason FMS composite scores of injured VB players vs. non-injured players (M ± SD: 15.5 ± 1.4 and 15.7 ± 2.5). A score of 15 maximized both sensitivity (0.40) and 1-specificity (0.17) with predictive values of 67% and 63% for positive and negative tests, respectively. Odds ratio indicated that athletes who had a FMS composite score of ≤15 had 3.3 greater odds of becoming injured. There were no significant differences between the injured and the non-injured groups when comparing dominant and non-dominant leg YBT composite scores (p = .34, p = .33) or reach differences in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions (p = .38, p = .33, p = .46), respectively. CONCLUSION: Athletes with an FMS composite score of ≤15 in this small sample of Division III collegiate female VB players had a higher risk of becoming injured than those with scores >15.

Predictive Validity of a Functional Movement Screen in Professional Basketball Players.

Background and objectives: Striking a balance between maximizing performance and preventing injury remains elusive in many professional sports. The purpose of this study was to assess the relative risk of non-contact injuries in professional basketball players based on predictive cut scores on the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two professional basketball players from the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) participated in this study. This observational pilot cohort study assessed and scored each participant using the FMS during training camp. Each athlete was then tracked throughout the season while recording the number, type, and time lost due to injuries. Possible exposures, actual exposures, and exposures missed due to non-contact injury (NCI) for each athlete were calculated and then used to determine the crude and specific incident rates for exposures missed due to NCI per 1000 exposures. Results: Linear regression models were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the FMS score for total missed exposures, NCI, and CI missed exposures. In all models, the FMS total score failed to attain significance as a predictor (p > 0.05). FMS scores ranged from 5 to 18. The recommended cut score of 14 showed a sensitivity of 0.474 and a specificity of 0.750. The cut score of 15 showed the best combination, exhibiting a sensitivity of 0.579 and specificity of 0.625. A total of 5784 exposures to NCI were possible for the men and women combined, and 681 possible exposures were missed. Of these, 23.5% were due to NCI, 16.5% were due to contact injuries (CI), and 60% were due to illnesses and personal reasons. Conclusions: The FMS proved to be a measure that was not associated with any injury measure in this sample of professional basketball players, suggesting the instrument lacks predictive validity in this population.

Does Sex Dimorphism Exist in Dysfunctional Movement Patterns during the Sensitive Period of Adolescence?

This study aimed to investigate sex difference in the functional movement in the adolescent period. Seven hundred and thirty adolescents (365 boys) aged 16–17 years participated in the study. The participants performed standardized Functional Movement Screen™ (FMSTM) protocol and a t-test was used to examine sex differences in the total functional movement screen score, while the chi-square test was used to determine sex differences in the proportion of dysfunctional movement and movement asymmetries within the individual FMSTM tests. Girls demonstrated higher total FMSTM score compared to boys (12.7 ± 2.3 and 12.2 ± 2.4, respectively; p = 0.0054). Sex differences were present in several individual functional movement patterns where boys demonstrated higher prevalence of dysfunctional movement compared to girls in patterns that challenge mobility and flexibility of the body (inline lunge: 32% vs. 22%, df = 1, p = 0.0009; shoulder mobility: 47% vs. 26%, df = 1, p < 0.0001; and active straight leg raise: 31% vs. 9%, df = 1, p < 0.0001), while girls underperformed in tests that have higher demands for upper-body strength and abdominal stabilization (trunk stability push-up: 81% vs. 44%, df = 1, p < 0.0001; and rotary stability: 54% vs. 44%, df = 1, p = 0.0075). Findings of this study suggest that sex dimorphisms exist in functional movement patterns in the period of mid-adolescence. The results of this research need to be considered while using FMSTM as a screening tool, as well as the reference standard for exercise intervention among the secondary school-aged population.

FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN™ (FMS™) SCORES DO NOT PREDICT OVERALL OR LOWER EXTREMITY INJURY RISK IN COLLEGIATE DANCERS.

Dance is a physically demanding activity, with 50-85% of dancers suffering injury during a single performance season. The majority of dancers' injuries are in the lower extremity (LE) and chronic in nature. These injuries often arise when causal factors are not identified early and addressed before they ultimately result in an injury. Practitioners often use movement screens such as the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) to detect and quantify kinetic chain dysfunction. Prior researchers have suggested that these screens can stratify at-risk individuals and allow practitioners to devise targeted interventions to reduce their injury risk. However, whether the FMS™ can identify at-risk dancers remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether FMS™ scores predicted injury risk in collegiate dancers. In this prospective study, 43 collegiate dance majors (34 female, 9 male; 18.3 ± 0.7yrs; 163.9 ± 7.3cm; 60.8 ± 8.1kg) in a program which emphasizes modern dance were scored on the seven FMS™ movements (scale 0-3, total maximum score=21) where 3=movement completed without compensation, 2=movement completed, but with compensation(s), 1=unable to complete movement, 0=pain during movement or during clearing tests as described in prior literature at the start of the academic year. An in-house certified athletic trainer documented dancer's overall and LE injuries over an academic year (40 weeks). Separate Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses examined whether composite FMS™ score predicted (1) Overall or (2) LE injury status. The subjects FMS™ scores were 16.2 + 1.7 (range=11-19). Twenty dancers were injured, whereas 23 remained injury-free. Injured dancers had 55 overall (1.28 injuries/dancer) and 44 LE injuries (1.02 LE injuries/dancer). FMS™ score did not predict overall (AUC=.28, SE=.08, p=.02, 95%CI=.13-.43) or LE injury risk (AUC=.38, SE=.1, p=.21, 95% CI=.21-.56). While nearly half of the dancers in this group suffered from injury over the year, composite FMS™ scores did not predict overall or LE injury risk in collegiate dancers. Dancers face unique and challenging physical demands that distinguish them from traditional sport-athletes including greater ranges of movement during performance. Thus, the FMS™ may not be sensitive enough to distinguish 'appropriate' from 'excessive' mobility and adequately identify injury risk in dancers. Overall, it is suggested that practitioners should use caution before using the FMS™ as a primary screening mechanism to identify collegiate dancers at overall or LE injury risk. 2.

FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT AND DYNAMIC BALANCE IN ENTRY LEVEL UNIVERSITY DANCERS

Dance requires integration and synergy between movement, postural stability, and body alignment to effectively execute the technical and aesthetic requirements of the performance. Evaluation of movement competency and dynamic balance provides opportunity to identify dysfunctional movement which may negatively impact both artistic and technical aspects of dance performance. Investigation of the relationships between movement competency and postural control may aid in technical development, performance improvement, and ultimately injury reduction. Although the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) and Y-Balance Test (YBT) have assessed movement competency in athletes, they have not been used extensively in the performing arts. The purposes of this investigation were to examine movement competency in university dancers using the FMS™ and YBT and to determine the relationship between functional movement and dynamic balance. Cross sectional. Fifteen, injury-free, female members (19.1 ± 1.18 years old) of an introductory university ballet class volunteered to participate. Pearson product correlations were used to determine relationships between variables. The mean composite FMS™ score was 15.32 ± 2.30. Shoulder mobility (SM) (r = 0.63, p = 0.01), In-line lunge (ILL) (r = 0.64, p = 0.01), and Deep Squat (DS) (r = 0.62, p = 0.01) were correlated with composite FMS™ score. Overall composite YBT score was 86.62% ± 8.17%. Reach asymmetry was 3.25 cm ± 3.53 cm (anterior), 4.06 cm ± 3.59cm (posteromedial (PM)), and 3.28cm ± 2.61cm (posterolateral (PL)). Composite FMS™ score was not correlated with composite YBT composite score (r = 0.44, p = 0.10). A moderate to good correlation was found between the ILL and YBT composite score (r = 0.64, p = 0.01). Collectively the results indicate the FMS™ and YBT do not measure the same constructs. However, the associations between individual components of the FMS™ and YBT indicate a relationship between certain movements and dynamic balance, supporting their combined use in a dancer injury risk management program. 2b.

The Effects of Strength and Conditioning on Functional Movement Screen™ Scores in Secondary School Basketball

Purpose: Injury prevention and mitigation are among the primary responsibilities of Athletic Trainers. Research has indicated that basketball players at the secondary-school level suffer up to 2.1 time loss injuries (TLI) per 1,000 athletic exposures (AE). It has been suggested that Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) composite and individual task scores may help determine injury risk. Researchers have suggested that a variety of strength and conditioning strategies may positively alter both composite and individual FMS™ task scores and reduce movement asymmetry. Methods: During a retrospective analysis of the records of all junior varsity and varsity basketball players at one secondary school over one season, no TLI was recorded over 1900 AE following the implementation of team-specific strength and conditioning programming. Results: Significant increases in pre-season and post-season composite FMS™ scores (pre-season mean = 14.33 ± 1.84; post-season mean = 16.44 ± 1.72; p < 0.001), and FMS™ individual task scores; deep squat (DS) (p < 0.001), hurdle step (HS) (p = 0.002), in-line lunge (INL) (p = .011), active straight leg raise (ASLR) (p = .02), and rotatory stability (RS) (p = .005) were noted across 27 male and female participants. Among females, composite FMS™ scores changed significantly (pre-season mean = 14.92 ± 1.38; post-season mean = 17.00 ± 1.04; p < 0.001), as did HS (p < 0.001) and INL (p = .025). Among males, significant changes were noted in composite FMS™ scores (pre-season mean = 13.87 ± 2.07; post-season mean = 16.00 ± 2.04; p < 0.001), as well as DS (p = 0.007), and RS (p = .025). Reductions in the number of scores of one and movement asymmetries were also evident during post-season FMS™ screening. Conclusions: Emphasizing movement competency and strength and conditioning training has positive effects on injury risk reduction in secondary school basketball players.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREENTM, Y-BALANCE TEST, AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TESTS IN MALE AND FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES

Poor balance, lack of neuromuscular control, and movement ability are predictors of performance and injury risk in sports and physical activity participation. The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) and lower quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT) have been used by clinicians to evaluate balance, functional symmetry, and static and dynamic movement patterns, yet little information exists regarding the relationship between the FMS™, YBT, and physical performance tests (e.g. vertical jump) within the high school population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the FMSTM, dynamic balance as measured by the YBT and physical performance tests (standing long jump, vertical jump, Pro Agility Test) in male and female high school athletes. Cohort study. Fifty-six high school athletes (28 females, 28 males; mean age 16.4 ± 0.1) who participated in organized team sports were tested. Participants performed the FMS™, YBT, and three physical performance tests (standing long jump, vertical jump, Pro Agility Test). Females outperformed males on the FMS™ and YBT, while males outperformed females on the performance tests. In both sexes, the composite FMSTM score was positively correlated with the left and composite YBT scores. Agility was negatively correlated with composite FMSTM in males (p < 0.05) and the left and composite YBT in females (p < 0.05). The FMSTM and YBT may evaluate similar underlying constructs in high school athletes, such as dynamic balance and lower extremity power. The results of this study demonstrate the utility of the FMS and YBT to relate multiple constructs of muscular power to an individual's ability to balance. Furthermore, establishing the need for the utilization and application of multiple field-based tests by sports medicine professionals and strength and conditioning coaches when evaluating an athlete's movement and physical performance capabilities. Utilization of multiple field-based tests may provide the first step for the development of injury prevention strategies and long-term athlete development programs. 2b.

ACCURACY OF THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN (FMSTM) ACTIVE STRAIGHT LEG RAISE TEST TO EVALUATE HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY IN SOCCER PLAYERS

Poor flexibility is considered a risk factor for the hamstring strain injury, and the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test proposed as a part of the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) has been used to assess athletes hamstring flexibility. However, the accuracy of this screening test remains undescribed. To examine the accuracy of the FMS™ ASLR test for assessment of hamstring flexibility in soccer players. Cross-sectional study. One-hundred and one male soccer players (age, 21 ± 3 years; height, 179 ± 7 cm; weight, 75 ± 9 kg) were bilaterally evaluated. All players performed a gold standard test for hamstring flexibility evaluation: the passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test measured using a gravitational inclinometer. All players also performed the ASLR test and were scored using the criteria proposed by the FMS™. Of the 202 lower limbs evaluated, 17.82% scored a 1 on the ASLR [mean passive flexibility: 80.44 ± 14.69 ° (55 °-110 °)], 50.99% scored a 2 on the ASLR [mean passive flexibility = 84.60 ± 10.59 ° (56 °-115 °)], and 31.18% scored a 3 on the ASLR [mean passive flexibility = 92.32 ± 11.53 ° (70 °-120 °)]. Limbs with FMS™ score of 3 presented significantly higher values for passive flexibility than limbs with scores of 1 and 2 (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between limbs with scores of 1 and 2 (p > 0.05). The score obtained in the FMS™ ASLR test does not satisfactorily stratify the level of hamstring flexibility in soccer players. 3a.

IMPLEMENTING A STANDARDIZED INTERVENTIONAL EXERCISE REGIMEN TO IMPROVE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENTS IN FEMALE COLLEGIATE ATHLETES

Interventional exercises have been developed to help athletes improve scores on the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™). However, there is a paucity of research on the effects of a similar program in female athletes, as well as the effects of a standardized corrective exercise regimen. The purpose of this study was to assess whether an in-season, standardized interventional exercise program improves FMS™ score asymmetry and the composite score of female collegiate athletes. Prospective, quasi-experimental, cohort study. Forty-one (mean age 19.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass, 70.6 ± 11.5 kg ; height, 1.70 ± 0.083 m) NCAA Division III female soccer (n=10), softball (n=17), and basketball (n=14) players participated in this study. The athletes completed the FMS™ screens prior to their season, regularly participated in four in-season standardized corrective exercises throughout three to four month athletic seasons, and completed the FMS™ screens in the postseason. The average score of all athletes before the season was 15.52 ± 0.63 and 16.04 ± 0.72 after the season. While the mean score of soccer players increased from 14.80 ± 0.92 to 16.1 ± 1.52 and the mean score of softball players increased from 15.83 ± 1.89 to 16.72 ± 1.41 at the end of the season, the mean score of basketball players dropped from 15.93 ± 1.49 to 15.29 ± 1.59. Women's basketball players experienced a decrease in their composite FMS™ score ( = -0.571, p<0.01), while women's soccer players ( =+1.30, p<0.05) and softball players ( =+1.12, p<0.05) experienced an increase in mean score 2.28 times and 1.96 times greater in magnitude than the decrease in basketball players' composite FMS™, respectively. Fewer total athletes demonstrated asymmetries at postseason testing, decreasing from 24 at preseason testing to 15 at postseason testing (p<0.01). Significant differences were not noted between athlete age and FMS™ scores (p>0.05). Standardized interventional programs during athletic teams' seasons may be used to help increase FMS™ scores and reduce asymmetry. Though more studies are warranted to address the negative effects of this standardized program in women's basketball players, this study demonstrated that the number of asymmetries significantly decreased from pre- to postseason among soccer and softball players, which may have implications for a higher resistance to injury. 3.

Relationship of Movement Screens with Past Shoulder or Elbow Surgeries in Collegiate Baseball Players

Upper extremity injuries commonly occur in baseball players, and can often necessitate surgical interventions. Athletes recovering from previous surgeries may be at greater risk of a secondary injury due to potential residual deficits in global movement. Identifying individuals with residual movement dysfunction following surgery during a pre-participation examination may help health care professionals identify baseball players who may be at a greater risk of re-injury in their throwing arms so that appropriate interventions can be developed. The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between history of shoulder or elbow surgeries and Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) shoulder mobility scores or Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) upper extremity patterns in collegiate baseball players. Cohort study. One hundred seventy-six healthy, male, Division III collegiate baseball players (mean age = 19.65 ± 1.52 years) underwent preseason screening using the FMS™ shoulder mobility screen, and SFMA upper extremity patterns. Total FMS™ scores were dichotomized into "good" and "poor" groups (good = 2 or 3, poor = 0 or 1). SFMA scores were dichotomized into "good" and "poor" groups (good = functional non-painful (FN), poor = dysfunctional painful (DP), dysfunctional non-painful (DN), and functional painful (FP). Dichotomized FMS™ and SFMA scores were compared to questionnaire data regarding history of shoulder or elbow surgeries. Thirty participants (17%) reported a previous shoulder or elbow surgery in their dominant arms. Past surgeries in the shoulder or elbow were not related to FMS™ (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30, 1.82), p = 0.52) or SFMA performance (OR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.38, 2.27, p = 0.88) independent of grade and playing position. History of shoulder or elbow surgery was not related to performance on the FMS™ shoulder mobility test or SFMA upper extremity patterns. Differences in the dates of surgery at the time of testing, and sport-specific adaptations of the upper extremities that are common in baseball players due to the cumulative tissue stress from years of throwing at the collegiate level, may explain these insignificant findings. Level 3.

INJURY IDENTIFICATION: THE EFFICACY OF THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN™ IN FEMALE AND MALE RUGBY UNION PLAYERS

Rugby union is a collision sport which is associated with a high injury rate and therefore the development of effective injury prevention strategies is required. This study aimed to determine whether the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) components can predict injury in female and male rugby union players and whether differences exist in the FMS™ scores of injured and non-injured players. Prospective cohort study. Sixty-four female university rugby union players (age: 20.39 ± 1.91 years) and 55 male university rugby union players (age: 21.05 ± 1.35 years) completed the FMS™ which assesses seven functional movements on a scale of 0 to 3 and provides a total or composite score out of 21. Players were subsequently monitored for injury during the season and injury rates calculated. The training injury rates for females were 5.80 injuries/1000 hours and males 5.34 injuries/1000 hours while the match injury rates for females was 55.56 injuries/1000 hours and males 46.30 injuries/1000 hours. FMS™ composite score demonstrated a significant difference between injured females and non-injured males (p = 0.01) and a combined sample comparison of injured and non-injured subjects was significant (p = 0.01). FMS™ composite score was not a good predictor of injury however as FMS™ individual components predicted 37.4% of the variance in total days injured in females. ROC curve analysis revealed an injury cut off score of 11.5 for females and males and provided a sensitivity and specificity of 0.90 and 0.86 and 0.88 and 1.00 respectively. The combined sample FMS™ composite score of 'multiple injuries' participants demonstrated no significant difference between non-injured (p = 0.31) and single injury subjects (p = 0.76). Injury rates between female rugby and male rugby were similar with match injury rates higher in females. The FMS™ can be used to identify those players with the potential to develop injury and the FMS™ injury cut off point was 11.5 for both female rugby and male rugby players. Individual components of the FMS™ are a better predictor of injury than FMS™ composite score. 2b.

Is there any relationship between functional movement and weight status? A study in Spanish school-age children.

to examine relations between functional movement patterns and weight status in Spanish primary school children and to determine the differences between sexes. three hundred and thirty-three, 6-13 years old children (164 boys and 169 girls), participated in this study. The main outcome measures were the body mass index (BMI) and the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS). Children were classified as normal weight (NW), overweight (OV) or obese (OB) according to international cut-offs. total FMS score was negatively correlated with BMI (p < 0.001). FMS score was different between children from NW, OV and OB groups (p = 0.001), lower with the increased BMI (p < 0.001 between all groups). Significant differences (p < 0.05) between NW, OV and OB were found in deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, straight leg-raise and push-up tests. As for the sex differences, girls obtained higher scores (p < 0.05) in in-line lunge, shoulder mobility and straight leg-raise, whereas boys did it in push-up (p = 0.044) test. these results confirm that total FMS score significantly and inversely correlates with BMI in a group of 333 school-age children. As for the sex differences, girls outperform boys in movements requiring flexibility and balance, whilst boys outperform girls in tests where muscular strength is required.

The Effectiveness of a Functional Movement Assessment and 4-Week Exercise Training Program for Female High School Athletes.

Boucher, BK, Rich, AJ, Gobert, D, Gardner, B, Metzner, P, King, C, and Buse, M. The effectiveness of a functional movement assessment and 4-week exercise training program for female high school athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 102-110, 2021-The extent to which young females participate in school-sponsored athletics has grown significantly over the past 2 decades. The number of females in high school sports increased for the 25th consecutive year in 2012-2013, reaching an all-time record. Unfortunately, sports-related injury rates for female athletes have also continued to rise. A body of research exists to suggest that dysfunctional movement may be linked to increased risk of injury, and training programs designed to improve movement patterns are effective to both enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. Effective training programs incorporate corrective exercises to retrain dysfunctional movement patterns. The Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMSTM) is a tool developed to assess 7 fundamental movement patterns. The FMSTM has been used extensively with a wide range of athletes at various levels of performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a movement-training program with female high school athletes using the FMSTM. The overall purpose was to assess the effectiveness of a 4-week corrective exercise-training program at improving FMSTM scores. Data analysis using Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a statistically significant change in total group FMSTM scores (Z = -2.214, p = 0.027) after the corrective exercise-training program. Mean total group FMSTM scores increased from 14.43 ± 1.90 (pretest) to 17.29 ± 1.38 (posttest). Findings suggest that positive outcomes to a corrective exercise-training program, which targets specific movement impairments, can be achieved in a relatively short period of time.

STATIC BALANCE MEASUREMENTS IN STABLE AND UNSTABLE CONDITIONS DO NOT DISCRIMINATE GROUPS OF YOUNG ADULTS ASSESSED BY THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN™ (FMS™).

The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) has been the focus of recent research related to movement profiling and injury prediction. However, there is a paucity of studies examining the associations between physical performance tasks such as balance and the FMS™ screening system. The purpose of this study was to compare measures of static balance in stable and unstable conditions between different groups divided by FMS™ scores. A secondary purpose was to discern if balance indices discriminate the groups divided by FMS™ scores. Cross-sectional study. Fifty-seven physically active subjects (25 men and 32 women; mean age of 22.9 ± 3.1 yrs) participated. The outcome was unilateral stance balance indices, composed by: Anteroposterior Index; Medial-lateral Index, and Overall Balance Index in stable and unstable conditions, as provided by the Biodex balance platform. Subjects were dichotomized into two groups, according to a FMS™ cut-off score of 14: FMS1 (score > 14) and FMS2 (score ≤ 14). The independent Students t-test was used to verify differences in balance indices between FMS1 and FMS2 groups. A discriminant analysis was applied in order to identify which of the balance indices would adequately discriminate the FMS™ groups. Comparisons between FMS1 and FMS2 groups in the stable and unstable conditions demonstrated a higher unstable Anteroposterior index for FMS2 (p=0.017). No significant differences were found for other comparisons (p>0.05). The indices did not discriminate the FMS™ groups (p > 0.05). The balance indices adopted in this study were not useful as a parameter for identification and discrimination of healthy subjects assessed by the FMS™. 2c.

RELATIONSHIP OF PRESEASON MOVEMENT SCREENS WITH OVERUSE SYMPTOMS IN COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PLAYERS

The shoulder mobility screen of the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) and the upper extremity patterns of the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) assess global, multi-joint movement capabilities in the upper-extremities. Identifying which assessment can most accurately determine if baseball players are at an increased risk of experiencing overuse symptoms in the shoulder or elbow throughout a competitive season may reduce throwing-related injuries requiring medical attention. The purpose of this study was to determine if preseason FMS™ or SFMA scores were related to overuse severity scores in the shoulder or elbow during the preseason and competitive season. Cohort study. Sixty healthy, male, Division III collegiate baseball players (mean age = 20.1 ± 2.0 years) underwent preseason testing using the FMS™ shoulder mobility screen, and SFMA upper extremity patterns. Their scores were dichotomized into good and bad movement scores, and were compared to weekly questionnaires registering overuse symptoms and pain severity in the shoulder or elbow during the season. Poor FMS™ performance was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing at least one overuse symptom during the preseason independent of grade and position (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 5.14, p = 0.03). Poor SFMA performance was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing at least one overuse symptom during the preseason (adjusted OR = 6.10, p = 0.03) and during the competitive season (adjusted OR = 17.07, p = 0.03) independent of grade and position. FMS™ shoulder mobility and SFMA upper extremity pattern performance were related to the likelihood of experiencing overuse symptoms during a baseball season. Participants with poor FMSTM performances may be more likely to experience at least one overuse symptom in their shoulder or elbow during the preseason. Additionally, individuals with poor SFMA performances may be more likely to report overuse symptoms during the preseason or competitive season. Level 3.

Influence of Body Composition on Functional Movement Screen™ Scores in College Football Players.

The functional movement screen (FMS™) is used to identify movement asymmetries and deficiencies. While obesity has been reported to impede movement, the correlation between body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), and FMS™ in athletes is unknown. To determine if there is a relationship between BMI, BF%, and FMS™ scores in a sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football athletes. Cross-sectional study. Biodynamics laboratory. A total of 38 male freshman football players (18.0 [0.7]y, 185.3 [5.5]cm, and 103.9 [20.3]kg). Height, weight, and BF% were collected, and subjects underwent the FMS™ conducted by a certified athletic trainer. The dependent variables were BMI, BF%, composite FMS™ score, and 7 individual FMS™ test scores. Subjects were grouped as normal BMI (BMI < 30kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2). A composite FMS™ score of ≤14 and an individual FMS™ score of ≤1 were classified as cutoffs for poor movement performance. A negative correlation between composite FMS™ score and BMI approached significance (P = .07, ρ = .296). A negative correlation between composite FMS™ score and BF% was significant (P = .01, ρ = -.449). There was a significant difference in the number of obese subjects scoring below the composite FMS™ cutoff (χ2 = 5.179, P = .02) and the individual FMS™ cutoff on the deep squat (χ2 = 6.341, P = .01), hurdle step (χ2 = 9.870, P = .002), and in-line lunge (χ2 = 5.584, P = .02) when compared with normal BMI subjects. Increased BF% and BMI relate to lower composite FMS™ and individual FMS™ test scores, indicating potentially poor movement patterns in larger National Collegiate Athletic Association football athletes. Future research should focus on examining lower extremity-specific FMS™ tasks individually from composite FMS™ scores.