Is There a Relationship Between the Functional Movement Screen, Star Excursion Balance Test, and Balance Error...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology

Background:

• The Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) are commonly used to assess functional movement and balance in athletes.
• Understanding the associations between these assessments is crucial for comprehensive athlete evaluation and injury prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlational associations between scores obtained from the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) in intercollegiate athletes.

Main Methods:

• A correlational design was employed, involving 52 intercollegiate athletes (36 men, 16 women) from 8 different sports.
• Participants completed the FMS, SEBT, and BESS in a randomized order during a single testing session to mitigate fatigue and learning effects.
• Composite and individual item scores from all three assessments were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A fair, negative correlation was observed between FMS asymmetry and SEBT composite scores (r = -0.31, P = 0.03).
• Fair correlations were found between FMS tasks (rotary stability, deep squat, inline lunge, trunk stability pushup) and specific SEBT and BESS measures, including anterior/posteromedial reaches and single-leg/foam pad balance tasks.
• Most remaining comparisons showed little to no correlation, indicating distinct measurement properties for each test.

Conclusions:

• The FMS, SEBT, and BESS provide distinct information regarding functional movement and balance, with minimal overlap in the constructs they measure.
• The observed associations suggest potential relationships between movement asymmetry and postural stability (FMS asymmetry and SEBT), and between fundamental movement patterns and neuromuscular control (FMS deep squat and BESS foam tasks).