Functional Movement Screen Items Predict Dynamic Balance Under Military Torso Load.

Area of Science:

• Military medicine
• Sports science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant concern for military readiness and incur substantial costs.
• The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a preparticipation screening tool designed to identify movement patterns that may predispose individuals to injury.
• Assessing dynamic balance under load is crucial for military personnel performing operational tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if traditional FMS or modified FMS (mFMS) scores predict dynamic balance in active-duty military personnel while wearing a military load.
• To compare the predictive capabilities of unloaded versus loaded FMS assessments for loaded balance.
• To identify specific FMS components that are most predictive of loaded balance.

Main Methods:

• Thirty physically active adults preparing for Army basic training underwent unloaded and loaded FMS testing.
• Loaded balance was assessed using the Y balance test and the Biodex balance system.
• A military load (rucksack, helmet, weighted vest) totaling 24.2 kg was used for loaded assessments.

Main Results:

• Both FMS and mFMS composite scores correlated significantly with Y balance test scores.
• Higher composite scores on both FMS and mFMS were associated with superior balance performance.
• Lasso regression identified specific FMS subscores (in-line lunge, trunk stability push-up, shoulder mobility) as predictors of loaded balance.

Conclusions:

• The in-line lunge subscore from the traditional FMS was the strongest predictor of torso-loaded balance.
• The conventional FMS appears more appropriate than a loaded FMS for predicting loaded balance in individuals with military recruit-like characteristics.
• Findings support using the FMS to identify personnel at risk for balance deficits and related injuries during load-bearing tasks.