Impact of soft-surface mobility exercises on functional movement screen (FMS) scores among football referees

Football referees perform repeated sprints, rapid changes of direction, and frequent deceleration-acceleration actions that place high demands on balance, mobility, and neuromuscular control. Limitations in functional movement patterns may negatively influence movement efficiency and increase mechanical stress during match officiating. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week unstable/compliant surface-based mobility exercise program on functional movement quality, as assessed by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), in young male amateur football referees.

A total of 60 male amateur referees (experimental = 30; control = 30; age = 22.6 ± 1.3 years) participated in the study. Both groups continued their routine training, while the experimental group additionally performed mobility exercises on unstable and compliant surfaces (primarily BOSU-based drills) twice weekly for 12 weeks (45 ± 5 min/session). FMS tests were administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using a 2 (group: experimental vs. control) × 2 (time: pre-test vs. post-test) mixed-effects ANOVA, with verification of normality through Shapiro-Wilk testing and visual inspection of residual distributions, and the group × time interaction was considered the primary indicator of intervention effectiveness.

The mixed ANOVA revealed significant group × time interaction effects for Total FMS score (p < 0.001) as well as for Deep Squat (p = 0.004), Hurdle Step (p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.33), Active Straight Leg Raise (p = 0.043), Trunk Stability Push-up (p = 0.001), and Rotary Stability (p < 0.001). The control group showed minimal changes across all outcomes.

These findings indicate that unstable/compliant surface-based mobility training can improve movement quality indicators measured by the FMS. Incorporating such exercises into referee conditioning programs may contribute to more efficient movement patterns and enhanced dynamic stability, with potential implications for physical preparedness during match officiating.