Evaluation of functional limitations in female soccer players and their relationship with sports level--a cross sectional study

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.

Predicting Hamstring Strains in Soccer Players Based on ROM: An Analysis From a Gender Perspective

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore if specific hip and knee range-of-movement (ROM) tests can predict a risk factor for hamstring strain (HS) injury in male and female soccer players. Methods: One hundred amateur soccer players (56 men and 44 women) performed six tests to determine hip and knee ROM: straight leg raise test (SLR), modified Thomas test (TT), hip internal and external rotation (ER), hip abduction and adduction, Nachlas test and Ridge test. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to create a predictive model for HS injuries. Results: The percentage of HS injury was 20.45% and 30.35%, for female and male players. The logistic regression showed a significant model for both genders on the logit of suffering an HS injury with active-SLR and TT variables for females (R²_CS = 0.491; R²_N = 0.771) and active SLR and ER variables for males (R²_CS = 0.623; R²_N = 0.882). The predictive models correctly classify 95.5% and 94.6% of cases presenting good sensitivity (77.8% and 88.2%) and full (100%) and high (97.4%) specificity respectively. Furthermore, female players showed a greater ROM than males (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Both female and male soccer players that suffered a HS injury had lower ROM in SLR, NT and RT and higher ROM in the TT that non-injured players. The tests that most likely predict HS injury are SLR and TT in females and SLR and ER in males. Thus, it is suggested to including specific exercises in amateur soccer players training programs to improve hip and knee ROM for injury prevention.

The Impact of Physical Performance on Functional Movement Screen Scores and Asymmetries in Female University Physical Education Students

Association between physical performance and movement quality remains ambiguous. However, both affect injury risk. Furthermore, existing research rarely regards women. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of physical performance components on FMS scores and asymmetries among young women-University Physical Education Students. The study sample was 101 women, 21.72 ± 1.57 years, body mass index 21.52 ± 2.49 [kg/m²]. The FMS test was conducted to assess the movement patterns quality. Physical performance tests were done to evaluate strength, power, flexibility. Flexibility has the strongest correlation with FMS overall (r = 0.25, p = 0.0130) and single tasks scores. A higher level of flexibility and strength of abdominal muscles are associated with fewer asymmetries (r = -0.31, p = 0.0018; r = -0.27, p = 0.0057, respectively). However, the main findings determine that flexibility has the strongest and statistically significant impact on FMS overall (ß = 0.25, p = 0.0106) and asymmetries (ß = -0.30, p = 0.0014). Additionally, a significant effect of abdominal muscles strength on FMS asymmetries were observed (ß = -0.29, p = 0.0027). Flexibility and abdominal muscles strength have the most decisive impact on movement patterns quality. These results suggest possibilities for shaping FMS scores in young women.

Effects of a Neuromuscular Warm-Up Program in Youth Female Soccer Players

The protective effects of different warm-up injury prevention routines in youth female soccer players have been demonstrated in the literature, however, there is a paucity of information regarding the effects that these kinds of programs have on soccer-specific physical performance variables. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 12-week neuromuscular warm-up program on physical performance in youth female soccer players. Players (age: 13.94 ± 0.82 years) were divided into two groups. One group performed a neuromuscular activation program (n = 21) twice per week whereas the other group (control, n = 17) continued with their habitual warm-up routine for the same duration. Both groups of players performed strength, jumping and balance tests before and after the intervention period. Substantially greater improvements were detected in the mean velocity for the squat (p < 0.001; Effect Size = 0.95) and the hip thrust (p < 0.001; Effect Size = 0.51) in the experimental group in comparison to the control group. In addition, after the intervention period players in the experimental group showed an increase in the jumping height in the unloaded double-leg and single-leg counter-movement jumps (p = 0.003-0.012; Effect Size = 0.42-0.46). The results of this study provide evidence that a 12-week neuromuscular warm-up program can be effective to improve different physical performance variables in youth female soccer players.

Effectiveness of Abdominal and Gluteus Medius Training in Lumbo-Pelvic Stability and Adductor Strength in Female Soccer Players. A Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Abdominal and lumbo-pelvic stability alterations may be the origin of lower limb injuries, such as adductor pathology in soccer players. Imbalance can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial over 8 weeks, 25 female footballers were randomly allocated to an experimental group (isometric abdominal training and gluteus medius-specific training) or a control group (isometric abdominal training). Evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention and after a 4-week follow-up period. The exercise protocol in common for both groups included three exercises: Plank, Lateral plank and Bird dog. Specific exercises for the gluteus medius were: Pelvic drop and Stabilization of the gluteus medius in knee valgus. Outcome measures were lumbar-pelvic stability and adductor strength.

RESULTS

After the intervention, there was an increase in lumbo-pelvic stability in both groups, being greater in the control group than in the experimental group (mean differences [MD]: 4.84 vs. MD: 9.58; p < 0.01) with differences in the analysis of repeated measures (p < 0.001), but not in group interaction (p = 0.26). Changes were found in adductor strength in the experimental group (MD: -2.48; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: -1.48; p < 0.01 in right adductor) and control group (MD: -1.68; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: -2.05; p < 0.001 in the right adductor) after the intervention, with differences in the analysis of repeated measures in left (p < 0.001) and right (p < 0.001) adductor strength.

CONCLUSIONS

An abdominal and gluteal training protocol shows no advantage over a protocol of abdominal training alone for lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength, while improvements in both variables are maintained at four weeks follow-up.

Do Normative Composite Scores on the Functional Movement Screen Differ Across High School, Collegiate, and Professional Athletes? A Critical Review

OBJECTIVE

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a battery of 7 unloaded tests designed to rate human movement competency. Injury rates vary across the different level of a sport. The purpose of this critical review was to determine whether normative FMS composite scores differ across high school, collegiate, and professional athletic populations and to determine whether normative composite scores correlate with rates of severe injury across different collegiate sports.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases from inception to September 2017 with the following syntax: "functional movement screen*" OR "movement screen*". Additional records were identified by citation tracking and hand search of articles.

STUDY SELECTION

A total of 708 records identified, of which 36 were included. Studies were included if they reported a FMS composite score for one of the groups.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers (T.R.P. and F.K.) screened records for the author and year; sample size; study design; sport(s); number, age, and sex of participants; testing conditions; methodological quality; and mean or median composite score(s).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Normative FMS composite scores were invariant to level of play, with 61% of reported scores falling between 14 and 16, despite injury rates increasing by level of play. Scores for high school, college, and professional athletes were 14.1, 14.8, and 15.7, respectively. There was a significant positive relationship between composite scores and rate of severe injury in college sports (r(11) = 0.66, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings potentially undermine the FMS's predictive validity. Although the FMS may have other applications, this critical review provides further evidence against the composite score for injury prediction in competitive athletes.

Relationship between movement dysfunctions and sports injuries according to gender of youth soccer player

The purpose of this study is to investigate relationship between movement dysfunctions and sports injuries according to gender of youth soccer player. Thirty-eight middle school soccer players participated in this study and they were divided into male (n=19) and female (n=19) groups. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the Quadriceps-angle (Q-angle) during single-leg squat were analyzed for identifying imbalance and asymmetry of the body, and sports injury questionnaire was examined for 6 months after FMS test. The number of sports injuries did not show significant difference between youth male and female soccer athletes. In FMS results, the scores of overhead squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, and rotary stability and the total scores were no significant differences between gender, but the score for the trunk stability push-up was significantly higher in male group than female group. There was no significant difference of Q-angle values between the left and right legs, but Q-angle value between youth male and female groups significantly showed interaction. Therefore, the present data suggested that FMS and Q-angle during single-leg squat might be indicators to predict and/or prevent sports injury in youth male and female soccer players.

Relationship between body composition and physical capacities in junior soccer players

Abstract The number of studies related to soccer has been growing exponentially in the last years because the modality is considered the most popular in the world. It is known that the development of some specific physical capacities, even in young individuals, is essential to high-level performance and these capacities might be related to anthropometrics variables. The purpose of this study was to verify the relationship between body composition and physical capacities in young soccer players. Study participants were athletes from junior categories (under-12 and under-13) belonging to the Soccer Association of Chapecó, Brazil.. Athletes were submitted to agility, (Illinois), vertical jump (Sargent Jump), aerobic condition (TCAR), flexibility and sit-and-reach (Wells Bench) tests, as well as anthropometric assessment. All procedures were performed at UNOESC campus, Chapecó. Statistical analysis consisted of the Spearman’s Rô test, measuring the correlation among variables, additionally, significance level of p<0.05 was adopted. Results showed significantly correlation in agility (p=0.000; ρ=0.530) and vertical jump tests (p=0.003; ρ=-0.437) with body fat percentage. It was concluded that there is relationship between body fat percentage and agility and explosive power of lower limbs.

FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT AND DYNAMIC BALANCE DISPARITIES AMONG VARYING SKILL LEVELS IN GOLFERS

BACKGROUND

Sports medicine professionals have instituted easy to use on field screening tests to determine physical readiness and identify athletes who may have increased injury risk. Currently there is little research on fundamental movement and dynamic balance abilities in golfers.

PURPOSE

To examine differences in fundamental movement patterns and dynamic balance in varying competition levels in golfers.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional Cohort.

METHODS

The Functional Movement Screen^TM (FMS), and Y-Balance Test Upper Quarter and Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ/UQ) were performed on middle school (MS), high school (HS), college (COL), and professional (PRO) golfers. The FMS^TM was assessed for individual tests and composite score. The YBT-LQ/UQ reaches were averaged normalized to limb length. Statistical analysis was completed with a series of Kruskall-Wallis tests with Dunn's post hoc for the FMS™ and YBT-LQ/UQ asymmetries, and a series of ANOVAs, with Tukey's post hoc for the YBT-LQ/UQ reaches (p<0.05). Effect Size Indices (ESI) were also calculated to determine clinical relevance.

RESULTS

A total of 53 MS, 129 HS, 207 COL, and 29 PRO golfers were included in this study. Significant differences were observed between COL and HS in two FMS™ tests (push up; p=0.001), active straight leg raise; p=0.0019). PRO golfers YBT-LQ posteromedial reaches were greater than MS (p=0.0127, ESI = 4.3552). PRO YBT-UQ medial reaches were greater than COL (p<0.0001, ESI = 0.8915), HS (p<0.0001, ESI = 1.2640) and MS (p<0.001, ESI = 1.4218). PRO inferolateral (IL) and superoloateral (SL) reaches were greater [IL: COL (p=0.0427, ESI = 0.4413), HS (p=0.0002, ESI = 0.5851)], [SL: COL (p=0.0005, ESI = 0.5990), HS (p=0.0004, ESI = 0.6068)]. YBT-UQ composite scores were greater for PRO compared to COL (p<0.0001, ESI = 0.7657), HS (p<0.0001, ESI = 0.8161) and MS (p<0.0001, ESI = 1.085).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences were observed in golfer's fundamental movement patterns in relationship to competition level. These data can be utilized to design personalized training programs that focus to improve movement quality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2b.

Functional movement screen and Y-Balance test scores across levels of American football players

Few studies have investigated differences in functional movement assessment performance across scholastic levels of competition. This study examined Functional Movement Screen (FMS) performance in middle school (MS), high school (HS) and collegiate (COL) American football players and Y-Balance test (YBT) scores in MS and HS players. Functional movement measurements were collected for MS (N = 29; age = 12.8 ± 0.7 years), HS (N =52; age = 15.7 ± 1.2 years), and COL (N =77; age = 19.9 ± 1.4 years) football players prior to each group’s competitive season. Differences in composite FMS and YBT measurements were examined using Welch’s ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U-tests, respectively. Chi-square analyses examined normality of score distributions for individual FMS tests. The MS group displayed a lower composite FMS (12.9 ± 1.9) than both HS (14.0 ± 1.7) and COL (14.1 ± 2.1) groups (p = 0.019). COL players scored significantly lower on the Shoulder Mobility (SM) but higher on the Deep Squat (DS), In-line Lunge (ILL), Active Straight-Leg Raise (ASLR) and Push-Up (PU) than both HS and MS groups. No differences were found between MS and HS groups for any YBT normalized reach distances and side-to-side reach distance differences. FMS performance varied with football competition level whereas YBT performance did not. The results suggest that football competition levels normative data and injury-risk thresholds should be established when using FMS scores to guide performance and injury prevention programming.

THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN (FMS™) IN ELITE YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS BETWEEN 14 AND 20 YEARS: COMPOSITE SCORE, INDIVIDUAL-TEST SCORES AND ASYMMETRIES

BACKGROUND

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a widely used seven-test battery used by practitioners working in sport medicine. The FMS™ composite score (sum of seven tests) in soccer athletes from different competitive levels has been well explored in literature, but the specific movement deficits presented by young high competitive level players remains unclear.

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to provide a detailed description of the performance of elite young soccer players (age 14-20 years) on the FMS™ testing battery.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

METHODS

One-hundred and three young soccer players (14-20 years) from a premier league club were assessed by two experienced raters using the FMS™ testing battery. FMS™ composite score, individual-test scores and asymmetries were considered for analysis, and comparisons between age categories were performed.

RESULTS

FMS™ composite scores ranged from 9 to 16 points (median=13 points). 82% of the athletes had a composite score ≤14 points, and 91% were classified into the "Fail" group (score 0 or 1 in at least one test). Almost half of athletes (48%) had poor performance (i.e., individual score < 2) in "deep squat" test. Most of athletes in the younger categories (under-15 and under-16) had poor performance in the "trunk stability push-up" test (70%) and in the "rotary stability" test (74%). Asymmetry in at least one of five unilateral FMS™ tests was found in 65% of athletes.

CONCLUSION

High-performance young soccer players have important functional deficits, especially in tasks involving deep squat and trunk stability, as well as high prevalence of asymmetry between right and left body side.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3a.

Tenosuspension of the Reflected Head of the Rectus Femoris in Hip Arthroscopy: Description of a Portal and a Surgical Maneuver

Arthroscopy is a surgical technique useful in the treatment of intra- and extra-articular hip pathologies, including femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). In the arthroscopic treatment of pincer-type FAI, tendon interposition of the reflected head of the rectus femoris frequently hinders acetabular edge resection in the anterior-superior region (acetabuloplasty) and labrum repositioning, even causing tendon injury during the surgical procedure. Many surgeons do not give importance to the reflected head of the rectus femoris, and during the procedure they try to avoid it, giving 30° of flexion to the hip. However, this does not always prevent tendon injury caused by the instruments. Some surgeons even resect part of the tendon to improve visualization or to use it as a labral graft. The objective of this work is to describe a reproducible surgical maneuver that allows to perform the anterior-superior acetabular edge resection and chondrolabral union repair with less damage to the reflected head of the rectus femoris.

Hamstring-and-Lower-Back Flexibility in Male Amateur Soccer Players

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the hamstring-and-lower-back flexibility (HLBF) of male adult amateur soccer players, using the sit-and-reach test (SRT), with a view to obtaining population-based reference values and to determining whether SRT scores are associated with player characteristics.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional cohort study.

SETTING

Teams from high-level Dutch amateur soccer competitions were recruited for participation.

PARTICIPANTS

Dutch male high-level amateur field soccer players (n = 449) of age 18 to 40 years. Players with a hamstring injury at the moment of SRT-measurement or any other injury that prevented them from following the SRT protocol were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sit-and-reach test scores were measured and then population-based reference values were calculated as follows: >2SD below mean (defining "very low" HLBF), 1SD-2SD below mean ("low" HLBF), 1SD below mean to 1SD above mean ("normal" HLBF), 1SD-2SD above mean ("high" HLBF), and >2SD above mean ("very high" HLBF). Whether SRT scores were correlated with player characteristics was determined using a Pearson correlation coefficient or Spearman rho.

RESULTS

Sit-and-reach test scores ranged from 0 to 43.5 cm (mean 22.0 cm, SD 9.2). The cutoff points for population-based reference values were <3.5 cm for "very low", 3.5 to 13.0 cm for "low", 13.0 to 31.0 cm for "normal", 31.0 to 40.5 cm for "high", and >40.5 cm for "very high". Sit-and-reach test scores were significantly associated with players' height (ρ = -0.132, P = 0.005), body mass index (r = 0.114, P = 0.016), and history of anterior cruciate ligament surgery (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to describe the HLBF of amateur soccer players. The SRT reference values with cutoff points may facilitate evidence-based decision making regarding HLBF, and the SRT might be a useful tool to assess injury risk, performance, or for diagnostic purposes.

Efficacy of the functional movement screen: a review

The aim of this review was to evaluate and synthesize the scientific literature of the functional movement screen (FMS)-driven research for scientists and strength and conditioning specialists. An additional purpose was to optimize the methodological quality of prospective studies. Relevant research was identified through using a manual and electronically database search. Thirty-four articles met the inclusion criteria and were read, abstracted, and coded for this review. The publications were classified into different stages of Bishops Applied Research Model for the Sport Sciences (ARMSS). Thirteen descriptive studies explored the main tasks in test development like factor structure, objectivity, and reliability. They can be classified to the second stage of Bishops Model (ARMSS stage 2). Twelve studies covered ability of FMS to predict sporting performance and injury risk (ARMSS stages 3 and 4). Seven studies investigated the effectiveness of the FMS in designing programs (ARMSS stages 6 and 8). In addition, 2 assessed norming data. On the descriptive level, results suggest that the FMS is a reliable screen, if the rater is educated and has solid experience (>100 trials). Factor analysis describes the FMS as a unitary construct, which is an argument against the FMS total score. Studies clearly illustrate its limited ability to predict athletic performance. On the contrary, to predict injury risk in team sports, the FMS total score is supported by moderate scientific evidence. The majority of the FMS based intervention programs showed an improvement on general motor quality. However, a randomized trial does not confirm that results. Hence, to implement the findings on field, a critical strength and conditioning specialist is crucial.