Introduction: The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test evaluates movement quality in seven fundamental movement patterns. Studies have reported increased injury risk with a composite score of 14 or less out of 21. However, there is lack of literature in soccer. The purpose of this study is investigating the association between FMS test and injuries in male junior soccer players.
Methodology: Thirty junior players (age = 14.64 ± 0.46 years, height = 158 ± 8.52 cm, weight = 52.21 ± 7.49 kg) of education system's soccer academy were recruited for this study. At first, players performed FMS tasks including deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up and rotary stability. Then they have been monitored during three month. Injury questionnaire (Fuller and colleagues, 2006) were used to record injuries. Descriptive methods (mean and standard deviation) and Pearson correlation coefficient test were used for data analysis (significance level set at p < 0.05).
Results: Eighteen injury incidents concerning twelve players were recorded. Results indicated that there is negative and significant relationship between FMS and exposure of injuries (r = - 0.263 , p = 0.007). Moreover, Mean composite FMS scores were lower in players who sustained injury in comparison with non injured players. (Injured = 13.2 ± 1.4 , Noninjured = 14.8 ± 1.3).
Discussion: It seems that players with higher FMS composite score, have better movement quality which decrease probability of sustaining injury. Therefore, athletic trainers should pay more attention to improve movement quality of their players through corrective exercises.