Short-Term Core Strengthening Program Improves Functional Movement Score in Untrained College Students

Area of Science:

• Exercise Science
• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Functional movement is crucial for athletic and general population performance.
• Monitoring functional movement aids in identifying limitations and assessing interventions.
• Core stability is fundamental for efficient and safe movement patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a six-week core stability training program on Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores in untrained male students.
• To compare the effects of core stability training versus a control group on specific FMS components and overall score.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design was employed.
• Participants were divided into an intervention group (core stability training) and a control group.
• The Functional Movement Screen (FMS), assessing seven basic movement patterns, was used for evaluation.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in most FMS components.
• The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in hurdle step, in-line lunge, and rotatory stability compared to the control group.
• The intervention group also achieved a significantly higher total FMS score increase.

Conclusions:

• Core stability training effectively enhances functional movement patterns in untrained individuals.
• Even short-duration core strengthening programs can yield significant improvements in FMS scores.
• These findings support the integration of core stability exercises to improve functional performance.