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Highlights Portuguese children (boys and girls) outperformed U.S. children in the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test; additionally, Portuguese boys displayed better performance in the standing long jump. Portuguese children demonstrated lower levels of handgrip strength and throwing speed than U.S. children. There were no differences in kicking speed between boys from the 2 countries; however, the older group of U.S. girls demonstrated better performance than Portuguese girls. Physical education curricula and sports participation may explain the differences between the countries.

BackgroundPoor balance, lack of neuromuscular control, and movement ability are predictors of performance and injury risk in sports and physical activity participation. The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) and lower quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT) have been used by clinicians to evaluate balance, functional symmetry, and static and dynamic movement patterns, yet little information exists regarding the relationship between the FMS™, YBT, and physical performance tests (e.g. vertical jump) within the high school population. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the FMS TM , dynamic balance as measured by the YBT and physical performance tests (standing long jump, vertical jump, Pro Agility Test) in male and female high school athletes. Study DesignCohort study. MethodsFifty-six high school athletes (28 females, 28 males; mean age 16.4 ± 0.1) who participated in organized team sports were tested. Participants performed the FMS™, YBT, and three physical performance tests (standing long jump, vertical jump, Pro Agility Test). ResultsFemales outperformed males on the FMS™ and YBT, while males outperformed females on the performance tests. In both sexes, the composite FMS TM score was positively correlated with the left and composite YBT scores. Agility was negatively correlated with composite FMS TM in males (p < 0.05) and the left and composite YBT in females (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe FMS TM and YBT may evaluate similar underlying constructs in high school athletes, such as dynamic balance and lower extremity power. The results of this study demonstrate the utility of the FMS and YBT to relate multiple constructs of muscular power to an individual's ability to balance. Furthermore, establishing the need for the utilization and application of multiple field-based tests by sports medicine professionals and strength and conditioning coaches when evaluating an athlete's movement and physical performance capabilities. Utilization of multiple field-based tests may provide the first step for the development of injury prevention strategies and long-term athlete development programs. Level of Evidence2b.

Background & Purpose: The number of youth participating in sport increases yearly; however, the evaluation of youths' movement ability and preparedness for sport remains inadequate or neglected. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is an assessment of an individual's movement quality that has been utilized to evaluate risk of injury in collegiate and professional sport; however, there is minimal support regarding the predictive value of the screen in youth sport. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mean and distribution of FMS™ performance in sport participants age 11-18, and to evaluate the existence of a composite FMS™ score proficiency barrier to predict injury risk. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: One hundred, thirty-six participants (63 male, 73 female) age 11 to 18 years (16.01 + 1.35) were recruited from local schools and sport organizations. The FMS™ was administered prior to each participant's competitive season and scored by researchers who demonstrated reliability in assessments derived from the screen (κ w = 0.70 to 1). Injury data were collected by the participants' Athletic Trainer over one season. An injury was defined as any physical insult or harm resulting from sports participation that required an evaluation from a health professional with time modified or time lost from sport participation. Results: Females scored significantly higher than males for mean FMS™ composite score (t=14.40; m=12.62; p < 0.001), and on individual measures including: the hurdle step (t=1.91; m=1.65; p < 0.001), shoulder mobility (t=2.68; m=2.02; p < 0.001), active straight leg raise (t=2.32; m=1.87; p < 0.001), and the rotary stability components (t=1.91; m=1.65; p < 0.05). Two FMS™ composite scores (score <14 and <15) significantly increased the odds of injury (OR=2.955). When adjusting for sport, there was no score relating to increased odds of injury. Conclusion: Dysfunctional movement as identified by the FMS™ may be related to increased odds of injury during the competitive season in youth athletes. Consideration of an individual's movement within the context of their sport is necessary, as each sport and individual have unique characteristics. Addressing movement dysfunction may aid in injury reduction and potentially improve sport performance. Level of Evidence: 1b.

The relationship between physical fitness and health in adults is well established, yet until recently, empirical support for the impact of physical fitness levels on health markers in children has not been thoroughly documented. The aim of this review was to provide a summary of current literature that has examined the linkage between measures of health-related physical fitness (ie, cardiorespiratory fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, flexibility, and body composition) and health markers in youth. Specifically, this review focused on the findings from the recent 2012 Institutes of Medicine report on Fitness Measures in Youth as well as other subsequent review articles related to the topic. In addition, recommendations for health-related fitness assessments in youth populations are presented.