Correlation between the Functional Movement Screen and Hip Mobility in NCAA Division II Athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology

Background:

• The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) assesses athletes for dysfunctional movement patterns using seven key exercises.
• The FMS Composite Score (FMS CS) is derived from scores in deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, pushup, and rotary stability.
• Understanding factors influencing FMS performance is crucial for injury prevention and training optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between specific Functional Movement Screen (FMS) exercises and hip range-of-motion (ROM).
• To determine if hip mobility is a significant predictor of FMS performance.
• To identify potential correlations between individual FMS movements and hip ROM measures.

Main Methods:

• Participants (32 males, 13 females) from baseball, softball, and cross-country sports were recruited.
• Hip range-of-motion was assessed using specific exercises for internal/external rotation and flexion/extension.
• Correlations between FMS scores and hip ROM measures were analyzed at a .05 level of significance.

Main Results:

• Weak to moderate correlations were observed between several FMS exercises (Hurdle Step, Inline Lunge, Pushup, Active Straight Leg Raise, Shoulder Mobility) and hip ROM measures.
• Specific significant correlations included FMS HS/FL, FMS ILL/R, FMS PU/FL, FMS ALL/IRR/L, ERR/L, and FMS SM/ER.
• The overall strength of correlations indicated a minor role for hip ROM in FMS scores.

Conclusions:

• Hip range-of-motion appears to have a limited impact on Functional Movement Screen (FMS) performance.
• While some correlations exist, they are generally weak to moderate, suggesting other factors may be more influential.
• Future research should explore larger, more diverse sample sizes and multi-joint analyses to further elucidate factors affecting FMS scores.