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Preseason Functional Movement Screen Predicts Risk of Time-Loss Injury in Experienced Male Rugby Union Athletes
Sean R Duke1, Steve E Martin, Catherine A Gaul
1School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|February 15, 2017
Summary
Experienced male rugby union athletes with low Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores (≤14) face a significantly higher risk of time-loss injuries during the season. FMS is a valuable preseason tool for predicting injury risk in rugby.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Rugby union is a high-contact sport with a substantial risk of player injury.
- Identifying reliable preseason predictors of injury is crucial for athlete welfare and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Functional Movement Screen (FMS) composite scores and time-loss injury risk in male rugby union athletes.
- To examine the relationship between FMS-identified asymmetries and injury risk in this population.
Main Methods:
- Collected FMS scores from 73 male rugby union athletes during preseason and mid-season.
- Gathered time-loss injury data throughout an 8-month competitive season.
- Utilized receiver-operator characteristic curves and odds ratio analyses to assess FMS as a predictor of injury.
Main Results:
- Athletes with FMS scores ≤14 were significantly more likely to sustain injuries (OR 10.42 in the first half, OR 4.97 in the second half).
- FMS composite scores ≤14 were associated with increased injury likelihood in both halves of the season.
- No significant association was found between FMS-determined asymmetries and increased injury risk.
Conclusions:
- A low FMS composite score (≤14) is a significant predictor of time-loss injury in experienced male rugby union athletes.
- The FMS serves as a valuable preseason screening tool for assessing fundamental movement quality and predicting injury risk.
- Strength and conditioning and medical professionals should incorporate the FMS into preseason assessments for rugby players to mitigate injury rates.
