Core strength: a new model for injury prediction and prevention

Area of Science:

• Occupational health and safety.
• Musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation.
• Ergonomics and biomechanics.

Background:

• Workers in physically demanding jobs often adopt awkward postures, increasing injury risk.
• Adequate flexibility and strength in trunk stabilizer muscles are crucial for preventing injuries in these roles.
• The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a tool to assess these critical physical factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention designed to enhance core strength and flexibility.
• To determine if improving functional movement can reduce injury rates and lost work time in firefighters.
• To analyze the correlation between FMS performance and injury incidence.

Main Methods:

• A Functional Movement Screen (FMS) was administered to 433 firefighters.
• Injury data and other relevant parameters were analyzed in relation to FMS performance.
• An intervention program focused on improving trunk stabilizer (core) muscle strength and flexibility was implemented and evaluated.

Main Results:

• The intervention program resulted in a 42% reduction in the number of injuries over a 12-month period.
• Lost time due to injuries decreased by 62% compared to a historical control group.
• These outcomes highlight the positive impact of targeted training on injury prevention.

Conclusions:

• Core strength and functional movement enhancement programs are effective in preventing injuries for workers in awkward positions.
• Investing in such programs is warranted to improve worker safety and reduce occupational health costs.
• The study underscores the importance of proactive measures in mitigating workplace-related musculoskeletal injuries.