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

Effects of functional correction training on movement patterns and physical fitness in male college students

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of functional corrective training and static stretching on the quality of movement patterns and physical fitness in college students. The study was conducted with 30 male college students from a university in Guangzhou, China. The participants were randomly assigned to either the functional corrective training group (FCT, n = 15, age = 20.93 ± 0.85, BMI = 22.07 ± 2.33) or the static stretching group (SS, n = 13, age = 20.85 ± 0.86, BMI = 21.98 ± 1.80). Two participants from the SS group dropped out due to personal reasons, leaving 13 subjects in that group. Both groups underwent a 6-week training intervention, with sessions held twice a week. The FCT group participated in flexibility training, and/or static motor control training, and/or dynamic motor control training for 10-15 min. The SS group performed static stretching exercises targeting five specific muscles, with 30 s per side and two sets. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS), body composition, sit-and-reach, standing long jump, and pull-ups were assessed before and after the intervention. Differences in FMS outcomes were analyzed using two samples of the Mann-Whitney U test. Physical fitness outcomes were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a 2 (group) × 2 (time) design. After 6 weeks of intervention, the FCT group showed statistically significant improvements in the hurdle step (Z = -2.449, p = 0.014), inline lunge (Z = -2.000, p = 0.046), rotary stability (Z = -2.309, p = 0.021), and composite scores (Z = -3.316, p = 0.001). Comparisons between groups indicated that BMI (FCT, ES = 0.04; SS, ES = -0.11), 30-m sprint (FCT, ES = 0.12; SS, ES = 0.28), body fat percentage (BF%) (FCT, ES = -0.25; SS, ES = -0.07), and sit-and-reach (FCT, ES = 0.17; SS, ES = 0.06) were not statistically significant in both the pre- and post-tests. The effect sizes of all physical fitness indicators were greater in the FCT group than in the SS group. The FCT, consisting of two sessions per week for 6 weeks, has been proven to be effective in improving the quality of movement patterns by improved stability and advanced movements. However, the improvements in physical fitness did not reach statistical significance. FMS and FCT are generally affordable and accessible for college students. College students have the opportunity to employ the FMS tool to assess potential injury risks and address them, thereby reducing the risk of injuries.

Impact of Functional Training on Functional Movement and Athletic Performance in College Dragon Boat Athletes

Functional training has become a popular training method in different sports, yet limited studies have focused on paddle sports. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of functional training on functional movement and athletic performance in college dragon boat athletes. A total of 42 male athletes were divided into 2 groups: a functional training (FT) group (n = 21, 21 ± 1.47 years) and a regular training (RT) group (n = 21, 22 ± 1.50 years). The FT group participated in an 8-week (16-session) functional-training program, while the RT group trained with strength-training sessions. Functional movement screen (FMS), Y-balance test (YBT) and athletic performance evaluations were conducted before and after the intervention. Repeated measure ANOVA and t-test evaluations were employed to examine differences for both groups. The FT group was significantly improved in FMS scores (F = 0.191, p < 0.001) and YBT scores (F = 2.59, p = 0.027), and it also showed significantly improved muscular fitness (pull-ups: F = 0.127, p < 0.001; push-ups: F = 1.43, p < 0.001) and rowing speed (F = 4.37, p = 0.004). It is recommended to include functional training as a part of training and routine exercise, as it appears to be an effective way of improving FMS and athletic performance in paddle sports.

Effects of Core Stability Training on Functional Movement Patterns in Tennis Players

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a six-week core stability training program on the fundamental movement pattern assessed using the Functional Movement Screen Test in tennis players. The study group consisted of 160 subjects (74 women, 86 men) with a mean age of 20.26 ± 1.55. The Functional Movement Screen Test (FMS™), as well as the core stability tests including the lateral trunk muscles endurance test (the side bridge test), the abdominal muscles endurance test and the trunk extensors muscle endurance test—were used to evaluate the effects of core stability training. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the FMS test scores before and after introducing a core stability exercise program. Initially, the average total score of the FMS test in female tennis players was 14.58 ± 2.91, and after core stability training it was 17.20 ± 1.68 (p < 0.001). In the male group, the total FMS test score was 14.44 ± 2.76 before and 16.91 ± 1.36 after (p < 0.001) in the final assessment. Additionally, statistically significant differences were observed in the core stability test scores before and after introducing a stabilisation training program. The results of the study showed that specific core strengthening exercises could improve the FMS test scores in adult tennis players. This may also have an influence on reducing injury risk in this group, although further studies would be required to test this.

A Data Analytics Approach to Assess the Functional and Physical Performance of Female Soccer Players: A Cohort Design

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to observe the individual results of fitness status [countermovement jump (CMJ)], hop test, linear sprinting time, stride frequency, stride distance, force–power–velocity, peak power maximal and maximal speed, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) and functional performance (overhead squat, single-leg squat test, dumbbell hip-hinge, Thomas test, hip extension, and internal and external hip rotators) and (ii) to analyze the relationship between anthropometrical measures and values of fitness status with % of difference in the Thomas test, hip extension, and internal and external hip rotators. Materials and Methods: The study followed a cohort design. Sixteen female soccer players competing in the second division of the Spanish league were monitored during the first days of the pre-season. These players were evaluated three times during the preseason of the cohort period. The dataset showed a negative moderate correlation between time and percentage of difference in hip angle and another positive moderate correlation between maximal sprint and percentage of difference in hip angle (r = −0.54, p = 0.02 and r = 0.53, p = 0.04), respectively. The correlations of stride time and distance with hip extension are interesting, as professional soccer players should have higher levels of hip flexor flexibility during the stride phase, recoil of the instep kick action.