Summary of a systematic review investigating how strong is an association between Functional Movement Screen composite scores with subsequent injury in athletes.
Who
Athletes tested in 29 studies (American football, Australian football, baseball, basketball, cricket, CrossFit, handball, ice hockey, rowing, rugby, running, soccer).
Design
Systematic review with meta-analysis of 29 studies.
Outcome measures/tests
- Functional Movement Screen (FMS) composite score (cut off point ≤14)
- asymmetry cut off point ≥1
Main results
- The FMS composite scores could predict injuries in senior athletes and females better than in junior and male athletes.
- Association was likely for rugby, and to lesser extend for American football and ice hockey.
- Asymmetry in FMS scores was associated stronger with injury risk for senior than junior athletes.
Take home message
For a clinician & coach
Functional Movement Screen (FMS) was used as an injury prediction tool with mixed results. An analysis showed that FMS composite scores were likely associated with injury risk in rugby, and to lesser extend in American football and ice hockey. FMS predicted injuries better in senior and female athletes, and asymmetry (>e;1) in FMS scores predicted injury risk in senior athletes better than in junior athletes.
For a parent
Functional Movement Screen composite scores are associated with injury risk stronger for senior and female athletes than junior and male athletes. The scores are likely associated with injury risk in rugby, American football and ice hockey.
For an athlete
Functional Movement Screen composite scores are associated with injury risk stronger for senior and female athletes than junior and male athletes. The scores are likely associated with injury risk in rugby, American football and ice hockey.
Original article
Moore E, Chalmers S, Milanese S, Fuller JT. Factors influencing the relationship between the functional movement screen and injury risk in sporting populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine. 2019 Sep 1:1-5.