Association between motor competence and Functional Movement Screen scores

Association between physical activity and functional movement screening among university students in an adaptive physical course

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) holds profound implications for the holistic development of college students. However, students with chronic diseases or physical disabilities experience significantly limited PA during adaptive sports.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity and Functional Movement Screening (FMS) among university students who participate in the adaptive physical course.

METHODS

36 university students (from the adaptive physical course) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form (IPAQ-L). Body measurements and FMS were assessed. Correlation analysis and t-tests were used to determine relationships and differences between various indicators. A two-way analysis of variance was used to investigate potential variations in FMS scores based on gender and weight status.

RESULTS

The results show that gender, PA, and BMI significantly influence FMS scores in students participating in adaptive physical courses. FMS score is significantly negatively correlated with BMI and significantly positively correlated with PA. The FMS score for males, as well as the scores for Trunk Stability Push-Up and Rotary Stability, are significantly higher than those for females.

CONCLUSION

University students in adaptive physical courses can benefit from increased PA and FMS scores. Improving functional movement and enhancing physical activity are crucial for promoting overall health in this population.

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.

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.

Feasibility and reliability of the Functional Movement Screen battery in adults with intellectual disability

BACKGROUND

The feasibility and reliability of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) battery for predicting injury risk have been widely studied in athletic, military, public service and healthy populations. However, scant research has been carried out in people with disabilities. This study aimed at identifying the feasibility and reliability of the FMS battery when administered to adults with intellectual disability (ID).

METHODS

Adults from a residential and day care centre over 18 years of age, diagnosed with ID and able to follow simple instructions, were included in the study. All participants with behavioural or health problems that prevented the completion of the FMS battery were excluded. All exercises were video recorded to assure proper scoring. Three assessors (one trained and two novices) scored each of the FMS subtests performed separately from the videos. Feasibility was based on completion rates. Reliability of the composite test scores was analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

RESULTS

A total of 30 people with ID (mean age: 35.5 ± 7.12 years; 33.3% women) completed all assessments. The battery showed to be feasible, although difficulties when performing two of the subtests were observed among those with moderate and severe ID. Mean total scores from the three assessors ranged from 7.83 to 8.90. An inverse trend was observed indicating that the higher the ID level, the lower the total FMS score. Test-retest reliability was good for the trained assessor (ICC = 0.89) and mostly moderate for both novice assessors (ICC range: 0.60 to 0.76). Moderate to good inter-rater reliability was observed (ICC range: 0.65 to 0.80).

CONCLUSION

The FMS battery is a reliable tool that can be performed by people with ID, albeit with certain difficulties, especially in those with moderate to severe impairment. The battery does not seem to be useful for identifying people with ID at risk of suffering a sport injury. Adequately powered, well-designed studies are required to determine if the FMS battery is appropriate for identifying changes in functional performance in this population.

Association between Functional Movement Screen Scores and Athletic Performance in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

This study systematically reviews the literature examining the relationship between Fundamental Movement Screen (FMS©) scores and athletic performance in youth. We searched English-language papers on PubMed/MEDLINE, SportsDiscus, CINAHL, and EBSCO for the following inclusion criteria: Participants aged between 11 and 17 years, studies had to include the Functional Movement Screen© (FMS©) and at least one of the following performance outcomes, highlighted by athletic development models (i.e., long-term athletic development (LTAD), youth physical development (YPD)): agility, speed, power, strength, endurance, and balance (YPD), fitness (LTAD), or sport-specific skill (LTAD and YPD). A total of 3146 titles were identified, with 13 relevant studies satisfying the inclusion criteria after full-text screening. The results of this systematic review suggest that children and youth who score highly on the FMS© also tend to have better scores for agility, running speed, strength, and cardiovascular endurance. The strength of associations was weak to moderate in nature. Only one study was considered or controlled for biological maturation in their analysis. These results provide evidence that, while there is a relationship between FMS© scores and tests of athletic performance in youth, they are not the same thing and should be considered conceptually different constructs.

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.

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 Combination Movement Patterns Quality and Physical Performance on Injuries in Young Athletes

Identifying the factors associated with the injuries is crucial to prevention, enabling apply effective methods to reduce injuries frequency. This is especially important for young athletes for whom an injury may impair development or prematurely end a sports career. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine if the movement patterns quality and physical performance simultaneously affected injury occurrence in young athletes. The participants were 176 athletes aged 22.44 ± 1.64. The injury data were collected from the 12 months retrospective period. The functional movement screen test was conducted to assess the quality of movement patterns, and the physical performance tests were done for assessing strength, power, flexibility, and balance. Results showed relationships between movement patterns quality and flexibility with injuries. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated growing injury frequency for 14 ≥ FMS and 21 cm ≥ Sit-and-reach test. Rank Transform ANOVA revealed a simultaneous effect of movement quality (F = 11.5361; p = 0.0008) and flexibility (F = 8.0514; p = 0.0050) on an injury. Post-hoc tests indicated that the group with low-quality movement patterns combined with a low level of flexibility is the most frequently injured (p < 0.05). It is recommended to include in training, routine exercises improving movement patterns and flexibility to prevent injuries.

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.

Relationships among Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, and Health-Related Fitness in College-Aged Males

Actual motor competence (MC), perceived motor competence (PMC), and health-related fitness (HRF) exhibit a dynamic and reciprocal relationship in child populations, but little is known about the nature of these relationships in young adulthood. The purpose of the study was to assess these relationships in a sample of college-aged males. A total of 55 participants enrolled in an undergraduate Kinesiology course completed the study. Perceived motor competence (PMC) was assessed with the Physical Self-Perception Profile questionnaire; MC was assessed using maximum throw and kick speed and maximum jump distance; HRF was assessed with a two-minute push-up test, two-minute sit-up test, and the Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test. Pearson’s bivariate correlations were calculated to assess relationships among PMC total score, MC scores, and HRF scores. Two separate indices were calculated to create composite total MC and total HRF scores used for subsequent analyses. Significant correlations were found between PMC total score, MC index, and HRF index. Multiple linear regressions were used for analyzing predictive measures for HRF and PMC scores. From the two regression models, significance varied among total MC scores, PMC scores, and HRF individual measures. These findings may suggest that relationships among MC, HRF, and PMC strengthen over developmental time in young adult males.

Investigating the Age-Related Association between Perceived Motor Competence and Actual Motor Competence in Adolescence

Irish adolescents have been found to possess high perceptions of motor competence. However, there is an evidential value to investigating the strength of the relationship between adolescent perceptions of motor competence and their low levels of actual motor competence. The purpose of this research was to gather data on the fundamental, functional, and perceived motor competence in adolescents, differentiated by year group, to discern if participants could assess their perceptions of ability. Data were collected on adolescents (N = 373; mean age: 14.38 ± 0.87 years; 47.7% female) across six second-level schools in Ireland, including measurements of fundamental movement skills, functional movement, and perceived motor competence. Poor levels of fundamental and functional movement were observed, with significant differences between year groups detected. Participants in 1st year scored the highest in overall fundamental movement skills; however, for overall functional movement, 3rd-year participants scored highest. High levels of perceived motor competence were reported across the entire sample. These scores did not align with actual motor competence, nor did any alignment between these measurements improve with aging, countering theorized age-related associations. Future research should target low levels of actual motor competence while emphasizing the cognitive aspects of movement to ensure greater accuracy between actual and perceived motor competence.