Relationship between functional movement screen scores, core strength, posture, and body mass index in school children in Moldova

Correlation between physical activity and anthropometric measurements among children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to measure the association between the level of physical activity and sedentary conditions with anthropometric measurements of children and adolescents.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study consisted of a convenience sample of 400 children and adolescents from public schools in Itapevi-SP, Brazil. The Physical Activity Checklist Interview or LAF "Lista de Atividades Físicas" in a Brazilian version, was administered in a face-to-face interview on a school day and allowed assessment of sedentary behavior and physical activity on the previous day. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, sex, age, and lower limb posture. The participants were photographed in the frontal and sagittal planes, and the photos were analyzed using postural assessment software (PAS/SAPO). Pearson's tests were applied to analyze correlations.

RESULTS

Children and adolescents show a greater tendency toward valgus knees with increasing body mass (r = ‒0.33). On average, girls have a larger Q angle. Ankles are less likely to become valgus with increasing age and mass (r = ‒0.18 and ‒0.23, respectively). The horizontal alignment of the pelvis is mostly in anteversion with a significant increase with age (r = 0.27) and a slight increase with mass (r = 0.15). The knee and ankle tend to be less hyperextended and more dorsiflexed from the age of 10, with no correlation with the other variables. It was not possible to observe a clear relationship between the time spent in physical activity and sedentary behavior and the postural angles mentioned above.

CONCLUSION

Although correlations were found between age, sex and body mass, and postural angles, notably pelvis alignment, Q angle, knee, ankle, sex, and body weight, there was no correlation between the time spent in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and lower limb posture.

Predicting functional movement capacity in adults: the effect of range of motion and isometric strength

The aim of the study was to determine the role of isometric strength and range of motion in predicting Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores of adults. A total of 120 participants (age = 34.62 ± 11.82 years; height = 170.56 ± 9.63 cm; weight = 73.62 ± 15.39 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed, including height, body weight, muscle mass, and body fat. Following this, the ranges of motion of the shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle joints were measured sequentially. Isometric strength and FMS tests were then performed. Hip extension isometric strength explained 23% of the variation in FMStotal. The common effect of knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion joint range of motion explained 34% of the change in FMStotal (F (3-116) = 20.375, p < 0.001). A significant relationship (R = 0.658, R2 = 0.413) was found between hip extension isometric strength, knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion range of motion and FMStotal (F (4-115) = 21.952, p < 0.001). The common effect of all these variables explains 43% of the change in FMStotal. The results indicate that the FMS test scores, which are utilized to evaluate the risk of injury in sedentary adults, can be significantly predicted by the effect of hip extension isometric strength and parameters related to knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion joint range of motion. At this time, it is advised that range of motion and isometric strength be taken into account when determining a person's functional movement capacity.

Examining Movement Patterns, Skeletal Muscle Mass, and Hip Mobility in Office Workers With or Without Lower Back Pain: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between Functional Movement Screen (FMS), skeletal muscle mass, and hip mobility in office workers with or without chronic lower back pain (LBP), as well as to determine whether the above items differed between office workers with or without chronic LBP.

METHODS

This study utilized an analytic cross-sectional design. The participants were 35 office workers (14 in the LBP group and 21 in the non-lower back pain group, or NLBP) who were willing to cooperate with the request for cooperation in this study. Movement patterns were assessed by FMS and skeletal muscle mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Hip mobility was measured by prone hip extension (PHE) and straight leg raising. The correlations between each item and differences in the presence or absence of LBP were analyzed.

RESULTS

The LBP and NLBP groups showed different correlations (p<0.05) between total and subcategory scores and skeletal muscle mass. Total FMS score (p=0.02, r=-0.40) and PHE angle (p=0.01, r=0.43) were significantly higher in the LBP group than in the NLBP group.

CONCLUSIONS

The FMS shows different relationships between total and subcategory scores and skeletal muscle mass for office workers with or without LBP. In addition, office workers with LBP may have different movement patterns and greater hip extension range of motion than those without LBP.

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.

The Impact of Interaction between Body Posture and Movement Pattern Quality on Injuries in Amateur Athletes

Background: this study aimed to examine the impact of interaction between body posture and the quality of movement patterns on injury frequencies in amateur athletes. Methods: The study sample consisted of 89 young amateur athletes. Movement pattern quality was assessed by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), test and body posture in the frontal plane was assessed by the moire method for the parameters Shoulder Slope Angle, Lower Scapula Protrusion Difference, and Pelvic Tilt Angle. Injury data were collected through completion of the Injury History Questionnaire for the past 12 months. Results: Using cluster analysis, participants were allocated into a either category with good (BPg) body posture or poor (BPp), and using FMS cutoff points (14), either a category of good movement pattern quality (MPg) or poor (MPp). Two-way ANOVA was performed, and the Bonferroni post-hoc test revealed a reduction in injuries among participants from the MPg-BPg group compared to the other three groups (p < 0.05). However, no interaction between factors was revealed. No statistically significant differences were observed among the remaining three groups in the case of injury prevalence (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A combination of proper body posture and high-quality movement patterns is associated with a lower frequency of injuries, without direct interaction between chosen factors, which suggests that they impact injury risk independently. Practicing suitable BP and ensuring high-quality MPs should be regarded as a strategy in injury prevention.

Temporal Trends in the Physical Fitness of Hong Kong Adolescents Between 1998 and 2015

Low physical fitness in adolescence is linked with increased cardiometabolic risk and early all-cause mortality. This study aimed to estimate temporal trends in the physical fitness of Hong Kong adolescents aged 12-17 years between 1998 and 2015. Physical fitness (9-min run/walk, sit-ups, push-ups, and sit-and-reach) and body size data in a total of 28,059 adolescents tested across five population-representative surveys of Hong Kong secondary school pupils, were reported. Temporal trends in means were estimated at the gender-age level by best-fitting sample-weighted linear regression, with national trends estimated by a post-stratified population-weighting procedure. Overall, there were small declines in 9-min run/walk (effect size (ES)=-0.29 (95%CI: -0.32, -0.26)) and sit-ups performance (ES=-0.24 (95%CI: -0.27, -0.21)), with negligible changes in push-ups and sit-and-reach performance. There were small concurrent increases in both mean height and body mass, with a negligible increase in sum of skinfolds. Trends in mean physical fitness and body size/were not always uniform across the population distribution. The small declines in mean 9-min run/walk and sit-ups performance for Hong Kong adolescents are suggestive of corresponding declines in cardiorespiratory fitness and abdominal/core endurance, respectively. Increased national health promotion strategies are required to improve existing trends.

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

Background

Core muscle endurance is essential for proper movement and lower extremity injury prevention. In addition, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score is a tool to assess body movement patterns to predict the risk of injury. Although various researches have investigated the relationship between the core muscle endurance and the FMS score, no study has ever assessed the effect of postural deformity on the FMS score. This study investigates the relationship between core muscle endurance and FMS scores in females with lumbar hyperlordosis.

Methods

42 healthy females aged 24.03 ± 4.4 years with hyperlordosis ( > = 45/66 degrees) participated in this study. Core muscle endurance was assessed by the McGill stability test. Correlations were evaluated between the FMS score, McGill test, and lordosis angle using spearman correlation coefficients (p ≤ 0.05).

Results

Most individual FMS scores were not correlated with the McGill test except stability trunk push up. Also, lordosis angle was not correlated with the FMS composite score (r=-0.077; p = 0.631), while it was negatively correlated with the McGill test (r=-0.650; p = 0.000).

Conclusion

The lack of correlation between the FMS score and the McGill test implies that one’s level of core endurance may not influence their functional movement patterns. In contrast, the lumbar lordosis angle might impact one’s core muscle endurance but not their functional movement patterns.

Effects of Exercise-Based Interventions on Functional Movement Capability in Untrained Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the effects of exercise-based interventions on functional movement capability in untrained populations and provide a reference for future intervention studies in this field. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, WanFang, and CNKI databases were systematically searched from inception until February 2022, for randomized or non-randomized controlled trials, addressing the effect of physical activity on functional movement capability in untrained populations. Two researchers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and quality evaluation. Meta-analysis was performed using RveMan 5.3 and Stata 16.0 software. Twenty studies with 1596 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results of meta-analysis demonstrated that exercise-based interventions were associated with improved asymmetry functional patterns (RR = 0.40; 95% CI [0.31, 0.50]; p < 0.00001), FMS composite score (MD = 3.01; 95% CI [2.44, 3.58]; p < 0.00001), deep squat (MD = 0.57; 95% CI [0.37, 0.77]; p < 0.00001), hurdle step (MD = 0.56; 95% CI [0.38, 0.75]; p < 0.00001), in-line lunge (MD = 0.54; 95% CI [0.43, 0.66]; p < 0.00001), shoulder mobility (MD = 0.37; 95% CI [0.15, 0.60]; p = 0.001), active straight leg raise (MD = 0.42; 95% CI [0.24, 0.60]; p < 0.00001), trunk stability push up (MD = 0.40; 95% CI [0.16, 0.63]; p = 0.001), and rotary stability (MD = 0.45; 95% CI [0.24, 0.67]; p < 0.0001). Exercise-based interventions were effective in improving functional movement capability in untrained populations. However, there is a need for high-quality, sufficiently powered RCTs to provide a more definitive conclusion.

Assessment of Dysfunctional Movements and Asymmetries in Children and Adolescents Using the Functional Movement Screen-A Narrative Review

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a screening tool that identifies dysfunctional movements in seven test items requiring an interplay of cognitive, perceptual, proprioceptive, and motor functions that involve muscular strength/endurance, flexibility, mobility, coordination, and balance. The results of the FMS include an overall composite score, scores on the individual test items, and identification of compensatory movement patterns and left-right asymmetries on 5 bilateral test items. Although there is a plethora of literature on the use of the FMS in adults, there is a growing body of evidence indicating its use in children. The available research in children involves school children and young athletes in at least 20 different sports in over 20 countries and comparisons between pre- and post-pubescent children, and normal weight, overweight, and obese children. Studies that include measures of adiposity and physical activity levels, or report prevalence of asymmetries and dysfunctional movement patterns are not well represented in the children’s literature. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the currently available literature in children and suggest potential uses of the FMS by coaches, physical educators, and other health/fitness professionals, appropriate interpretation of results, and future research in children.

The Assessment of Functional Movement in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) is an assessment of human movement that may signal potential deficits that could predispose an otherwise healthy person to injury risk. FMS™ scores are well reported in both athletic and adult samples. However, to date, there has been no comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of FMS™ data among school-aged children and adolescents.

Objective

We aimed to systematically review and analyse functional movement proficiency of children and adolescents, specifically when assessed using the FMS™, and to establish initial normative values for the FMS™ in this population group and to further estimate differences in functional movement proficiency between the sexes, by school level (i.e., between primary and secondary school-level children and adolescents), and based on differences in child and adolescent body mass index (BMI).

Methods

In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, prospective studies were identified from searches across eight databases (MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, ERIC, PsychINFO and PubMed), without any date restrictions, up to December 2020. The primary meta-analysis estimated the overall FMS™ score for school-aged children and adolescents across published studies. An additional three subgroup meta-analyses estimated comparisons for FMS™ data with school level, sex, and BMI across published studies. FMS™ data were meta-analysed using a number of different meta packages (Schwarzer et al. in Meta-Analysis with R, 1st ed, Springer International Publishing, Berlin, 2015), available in R Studio.

Results

A total of 19 articles were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis revealed a weighted FMS™ mean score of 14.06, with a standardised Tau value of 0.56, signalling a moderate-to-large degree of variability in FMS™ means between studies. The difference in FMS™ means between samples of males (weighted FMS™ mean 13.91) and females (weighted FMS™ mean 14.56) was compatible with a possible small effect size (standardised mean difference − 0.27). The variability in FMS™ means between studies was approximately five times greater in samples of secondary school children (factor difference in Tau values 5.16). The final meta-regression identified a negative association between BMI and FMS™ scores (r =  − 0.42), which signalled a moderate-to-large difference in FMS™ scores between healthy weight and overweight children/adolescents.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis represents a novel and important synthesis of published FMS™ data from groups of children and adolescents. The study signals possible sex- and age-related differences in FMS™ scores, as well as a clear negative relationship between BMI and functional movement proficiency. More longitudinal research is needed to better understand the developmental trajectory and the effects of maturation milestones on FMS™ proficiency. Additional research is also needed to identify the types of interventions that could improve functional movement proficiency among ‘at risk’ groups, who are susceptible to functional movement deficiency, and whether changes in body composition mediate the relationship between these interventions and the improvement of FMS™ scores.

Sex Differences in Dysfunctional Movements and Asymmetries in Young Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Children

This study evaluated overall performance on the functional movement screen (FMS), prevalence of asymmetries and dysfunctional movements, and the relationship between measures of adiposity and the FMS score. Methods: Ninety-four (53 boys; 41 girls) 10–12-year-old children in Hungary and Germany who were participating in daily physical education performed the FMS. The mean FMS score in girls (14.1) was significantly higher than in boys (12.9). Individual test item scores were similar, except girls scored higher on the straight-leg raise. Most children (55% of boys, 68% of girls) presented with at least one asymmetry and 72% of boys and 76% of girls had at least one dysfunctional score. Measures of adiposity were negatively correlated to performance on all test items. Underweight and normal weight children performed significantly better on the FMS than overweight and obese children. Sex differences and the high prevalence of asymmetries and dysfunctional scores should be interpreted with caution since they may be due to dynamic changes in strength, proprioception, balance, and motor control that occur as part of growth and involvement in activities. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of asymmetries and dysfunctional scores indicate that most children have movement limitations.

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™ (FMS^TM) 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 FMS^TM tests. Girls demonstrated higher total FMS^TM 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 FMS^TM as a screening tool, as well as the reference standard for exercise intervention among the secondary school-aged population.

Is Adiposity Associated with the Quality of Movement Patterns in the Mid-Adolescent Period?

This study examined the association between functional movement (FM) and adiposity in adolescent population (16–17 years). This study was conducted in a representative sample of urban adolescents as the part of the CRO-PALS longitudinal study (n = 652). Body mass index (BMI), a sum of four skinfolds (S4S), waist and hip circumference were measured, and FM was assessed via Functional Movement Screen^TM (FMS^TM). Furthermore, total FMS^TM screen was indicator of FM with the composite score ranged from 7 to 21, with higher score indicating better FM. Multilevel analysis was employed to determine the relationship between different predictors and total FMS score. In boys, after controlling for age, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and socioeconomic status, total FMS score was inversely associated only with BMI (β = −0.18, p < 0.0001), S4S (β = −0.04, p < 0.0001), waist circumference (β = −0.08, p < 0.0001), and hip circumference (β = −0.09, p < 0.0001). However, among girls, in adjusted models, total FMS score was inversely associated with S4S (β = −0.03, p < 0.0001), while BMI (β = −0.05, p = 0.23), waist circumference (β = −0.04, p = 0.06), and hip circumference: (β = −0.01, p = 0.70) failed to reach statistical significance. Results showed that the association between adiposity and FM in adolescence is sex-specific, suggesting that boys with overweight and obesity could be more prone to develop dysfunctional movement patterns. Therefore, exercise interventions directed toward correcting dysfunctional movement patterns should be sex-specific, targeting more boys with overweight and obesity rather than adolescent girls with excess weight.

Temperature Distribution of Selected Body Surfaces in Scoliosis Based on Static Infrared Thermography

The purpose of the research was to assess the usefulness of thermography as a complementary method in musculoskeletal dysfunction, with particular emphasis on scoliosis. The children, aged 7–16, were classified into one of two groups: the study group—children with scoliosis (n = 20), and the reference group—healthy children (n = 20). All children underwent anthropometric tests, body mass index determination, four pictures each with a FLIR T1030sc HD thermal imaging camera, and measurement of spinal rotation with a scoliometer (Gima, Italy). There is a temperature differential (about 4 °C) within the upper and lower body in children. In healthy children, differences in temperature of contralateral areas of the body do not exceed 0.5 °C. Thermography is a useful and noninvasive method of assessing muscular tension disbalance in the course of scoliosis. In the case of scoliosis, the areas of the body with a significant thermal asymmetry of the surface are the upper back, thighs, and back of the lower legs. Due to the high positive correlation of the spinal rotation angle with the amount of thermal asymmetry, the areas that should be subjected to a detailed thermal assessment in the supplementary diagnosis of scoliosis using thermovision are the upper back, chest, thighs, and back of the lower legs.

Correlation between Lung Function and Functional Movement in Healthy Adults

It is difficult to determine whether lung function improves by simple abdominal strengthening exercises, and studies on the correlation of lung function and functional movement are insufficient. Therefore; we aimed to identify the correlation between lung function and functional movement. We recruited 204 healthy adults and measured their forced vital capacity; forced expiratory volume in 1 s, maximum voluntary ventilation, maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). We also extracted data obtained during functional movements. Differences between lung function and functional movement by gender were determined using independent sample t-tests, while the relationship between lung function and functional movement variables were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Significant gender-based differences between lung function and functional movement, a negative correlation between MIP and inline lunge, and a significantly positive correlation between MIP and trunk stability push-up occurred in males. In females, a positive correlation occurred between MEP and hurdle step, MIP and deep squat, and MIP and hurdle step. Aspects of lung function (MEP and MIP) showed correlations with functional movements. The results showed that lung function and functional movement were correlated, confirming that there is a relationship between lung function and functional movement in healthy adults.

Effect of a Six-Week Core Conditioning as a Warm-Up Exercise in Physical Education Classes on Physical Fitness, Movement Capability, and Balance in School-Aged Children

Whether the implementation of feasible, equipment-free, and simple core exercises in warm-up routines in physical education classes for school-aged children is beneficial remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of a core conditioning in the warm-up routine of physical education classes on trunk muscular endurance, movement capability, and flexibility in this population. In these pre- and post-test control group experiments, 52 healthy, school-aged children (aged 10-11 years) were cluster randomized allocated to either the dynamic core exercise (DCE) group or general physical education (GPE) group. The DCE group performed a 10-min core exercise routine twice per week for six consecutive weeks; the GPE group performed traditional physical education warm-up exercises regularly. The children were assessed by conducting the trunk muscular endurance test (i.e., dynamic curl-up, static curl-up, plank, and lateral plank), functional movement screen (FMS), and single-leg balance test before and after the intervention. At the end of the intervention, the DCE group demonstrated a significant effect on trunk muscular endurance, movement capability (i.e., FMS scores), flexibility, and balance (each p < 0.001, effect size: 0.38-1.3). Furthermore, the DCE group showed significant improvements in all outcome measurements compared with the GPE group (p < 0.05, effect size: 0.29-1.68). These data may provide a reference for incorporating additional core stability exercises in the warm-up routine of physical education classes in school-aged children in the future.

Role of physical fitness and functional movement in the body posture of children with overweight/obesity

BACKGROUND

Childhood obesity is known to negatively impact body posture with severe consequences for the musculoskeletal system. Physical performance could play a positive role in the body posture conformation of these children, but there is little evidence to date.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is physical performance (i.e., physical fitness and functional movement) associated with a better body posture in children with overweight/obesity (OW/OB)? If so, is physical performance more determinant than their obesity degree in the body posture conformation?

METHOD

A total of 62 children with OW/OB (10.86 ± 1.25 years, 58 % girls) were included. BMI, physical fitness components (one-repetition-maximum (1RM) arms and leg press, and ALPHA test battery), functional movement quality (Functional Movement Screen™) and body posture (two-dimensional photogrammetry) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Physical fitness components and functional movement were overall associated with a more aligned posture of the head, lumbar and thoracic spines and lower limb. BMI was associated with head protraction, thoracic hyperkyphosis, lumbar hyperlordosis and lower limb valgus. BMI was the best predictor of head and lumbar spine posture, cardiorespiratory fitness of lower limb posture in frontal plane, speed-agility of lower limb posture in the sagittal plane and functional movement of thoracic spine.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings reveal that physical fitness and functional movement are associated with a better global body posture in children with OW/OB, and that in some musculoskeletal structures are even better predictors than their obesity degree.

Temporal trends in the sit-ups performance of 9,939,289 children and adolescents between 1964 and 2017

We estimated international/national temporal trends in sit-ups performance for children and adolescents, and examined relationships between national trends in sit-ups performance and national trends in health-related/sociodemographic indicators. Data were obtained by systematically searching studies reporting on temporal trends in sit-ups performance for apparently healthy 9-17 year-olds, and by examining nationally representative fitness datasets. Trends at the country-sex-age level were estimated by sample-weighted regression models relating the testing year to mean sit-ups performance. International/national trends were estimated by a post-stratified population-weighting procedure. Pearson's correlations quantified relationships between national trends in sit-ups performance and national trends in health-related/sociodemographic indicators. A total of 9,939,289 children and adolescents from 31 countries/special administrative regions between 1964 and 2017 collectively showed a large improvement of 38.4% (95% CI: 36.8 to 40.0) or 7.1% per decade (95% CI: 6.8 to 7.4). Large international improvements were experienced by all age and sex groups, with the rate of improvement slowing from 1964 to 2000, stabilizing near zero until 2010, before declining. Trends differed between countries, with national trends in vigorous physical activity a strong, positive correlate of national trends in sit-ups performance. More sit-ups data are needed from low- and middle-income countries to better monitor trends in muscular fitness.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42013003657.

Evaluating the validity of diagnostic methods for scoliotic posture of primary school children

Primary school children are exposed to asymmetric loads that lead to an imbalance of postural muscles and a violation of the body relative symmetry. Mass screening examinations in schools for scoliotic posture and scoliosis are conducted primarily through the Adams test. It has low reproducibility and a high frequency of false negative results. In practice, various methods for diagnosing posture disorders are also used. Some methods are based on the evaluation of postural muscles static endurance, elasticity and proportionality of their functional capabilities. Others are based on a comprehensive assessment of the ability to maintain an upright posture rationally. The third ones are based on the analysis of the tonic vibration and H-reflex of skeletal muscles on both sides of the vertebral column. All the above mentioned methods definitely have diagnostic potential. Therefore it was decided to determine the validity of some common methods for diagnosing posture disorders based on the analysis of their mutual congruence. Based on the results of the experiment, a reliable correlation between the studied parameters was established. It in turn allows us to judge the congruence of the considered diagnostic methods and, accordingly, the high probability of their validity.

Relation between Weight Status, Physical activity, Maturation, and Functional Movement in Adolescence: An Overview

Obesity, low level of physical activity and dysfunctional movement patterns presents one of the leading health issues that can contribute to increased risk for developing not only metabolic and cardiovascular disease, but also musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this paper is to summarize literature and evidence about relationship between functional movement (FM) patterns, physical activity (PA) level and weight status in average adolescent population. In addition, this paper summarized current evidence about relations between maturation effects and functional movement among athletic adolescent populations. Summary of current evidence suggests that decreased physical activity level is negatively correlated to functional movement in adolescence. Additionally, most studies suggest that weight status is negatively correlated to functional movement patterns although there is conflicting evidence in this area. Evidence consistently showed that overweight and obese adolescents exhibit poorer functional movement compared to normal weight adolescents. In addition, it appears that maturation has effects on functional movement in athletic populations of adolescents. It is therefore important that practitioners consider interventions which develop optimal functional movement alongside physical activity and weight management strategies in children, in order to reduce the risks of injuries and pathological abnormality arising from suboptimal movement patterns in later life.

Examining Differences in Movement Competency in Professional Baseball Players Born in the United States and Dominican Republic

CONTEXT

Dominican Republic (DR) players have different training norms, which can affect their resiliency and performance. The variance among DR players' training regimens may be influenced by the degree of training incorporating fundamental movement patterns.

OBJECTIVE

To examine differences in fundamental movement patterns in United States (US)-born versus DR-born professional baseball players.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional cohort.

SETTING

Professional baseball athletic training room.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred forty-two players (76 DR-born and 66 US-born) who were recently selected by a Major League Baseball team.

INTERVENTION

Subjects completed the Functional Movement Screen using the standardized 7 movement tests and the 3 isolated clearing tests.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary variables studied were composite score, left and right asymmetry, and individual movement standard scores. Two-way chi-squared analysis was utilized for the statistical analysis with statistical significance being identified at P < .05.

RESULTS

DR players had a larger number of 1s (7.8% vs 3.0%) and 3s (10.5% vs 1.5%) on the right-sided hurdle step and a greater percentage of 3s (82.8% vs 60.6%) on right-sided shoulder mobility. US players had a larger percentage of 3s (33.3% vs 13.4%) and a lower percentage of 1s (2.2% vs 15.1%) on the active straight leg raise and a greater percentage of passable scores (≥2; 99.5% vs 65.8%) on the trunk stability push-up.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that fundamental movement competency differs between US- and DR-born professional baseball players. Based on these movement competency differences, a player's country of origin may be taken into account to create an effective training program.

Effect of a Suspension-Trainer-Based Movement Program on Measures of Fitness and Functional Movement in Children: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of a suspension-training movement program to improve muscular- and skill-related fitness and functional movement in children, compared with controls.

METHODS

In total, 28 children [male: 46%; age: 9.3 (1.5) y; body mass index percentile: 68.6 (27.5)] were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 17) or control (n = 11) groups. The intervention group participated in a 6-week suspension-training movement program for two 1-hour sessions per week. Muscular- and skill-related fitness and functional movement assessments were measured at baseline and following the intervention. Analyses of covariance models were used to assess the effects of time and intervention.

RESULTS

The intervention participants achieved greater improvements in Modified Pull-Up performance (P = .01, Cohen's d = 0.54) and Functional Movement Screen score (P < .001, Cohen's d = 1.89), relative to controls.

CONCLUSION

The suspension-training intervention delivered twice a week was beneficial for upper body pulling muscular endurance and the Functional Movement Screen score. Future interventions using this modality in youth would benefit from larger, more diverse samples (through schools or community fitness centers) and a longer intervention length.

The Relationship of Core Strength and Activation and Performance on Three Functional Movement Screens

Johnson, CD, Whitehead, PN, Pletcher, ER, Faherty, MS, Lovalekar, MT, Eagle, SR, and Keenan, KA. The relationship of core strength and activation and performance on three functional movement screens. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1166-1173, 2018-Current measures of core stability used by clinicians and researchers suffer from several shortcomings. Three functional movement screens appear, at face-value, to be dependent on the ability to activate and control core musculature. These 3 screens may present a viable alternative to current measures of core stability. Thirty-nine subjects completed a deep squat, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability screen. Scores on the 3 screens were summed to calculate a composite score (COMP). During the screens, muscle activity was collected to determine the length of time that the bilateral erector spinae, rectus abdominis, external oblique, and gluteus medius muscles were active. Strength was assessed for core muscles (trunk flexion and extension, trunk rotation, and hip abduction and adduction) and accessory muscles (knee flexion and extension and pectoralis major). Two ordinal logistic regression equations were calculated with COMP as the outcome variable, and: (a) core strength and accessory strength, (b) only core strength. The first model was significant in predicting COMP (p = 0.004) (Pearson's Chi-Square = 149.132, p = 0.435; Nagelkerke's R-Squared = 0.369). The second model was significant in predicting COMP (p = 0.001) (Pearson's Chi-Square = 148.837, p = 0.488; Nagelkerke's R-Squared = 0.362). The core muscles were found to be active for most screens, with percentages of "time active" for each muscle ranging from 54-86%. In conclusion, performance on the 3 screens is predicted by core strength, even when accounting for "accessory" strength variables. Furthermore, it seems the screens elicit wide-ranging activation of core muscles. Although more investigation is needed, these screens, collectively, seem to be a good assessment of core strength.