Relationship Between Functional Movement Screen Scores, Core Strength, Posture, and Body Mass Index in School Children in Moldova

Abstract

The assessment of functionality should include parameters that consider postural control, limb asymmetries, range of motion limitations, proprioceptive deficits, and pain. An increasingly popular battery of tests, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), is purported to assess the above named parameters. The purpose of our study was twofold: (a) to report differences in total FMS scores in children, provide preliminary normative reference values of each of the 7 individual FMS scores for both genders and report on asymmetries and (b) to evaluate the relationship between total FMS scores, age, body mass index (BMI), core strength/stability, and postural angles to explore the possibility of using the FMS in the assessment of children's functional fitness. Descriptive data on 77 children aged 8-11 years were collected. The children performed core strength/stability exercises. Photographs were taken from a lateral view for later calculation of postural angles. The children performed the FMS while being videotaped for later review. The average total FMS score (of 21) was 14.9 (+1.9), and BMI was 16.4 (+2.2). Static posture is not related to results of the FMS. Core strength was positively correlated to the total FMS score (r = 0.31; p = 0.006). Over 60% demonstrated at least 1 asymmetry. The individual test scores indicate that none of the test items is too difficult for the children. Based on the screen's correlation to core strength, and the fact that it identifies areas of asymmetry, we suggest to further investigate its possible use in the assessment of children's functional fitness.

Effects of 6 Weeks Classification-guided Exercise on Pain and Functionality in Subgroups of Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain

“…FMS is positively related to core strength. 23 Tasks of FMS need individual abilities, requiring a combination in physical activity. Five tasks in FMS require trunk stability.…”

Relationships between the Functional Movement Screen Score and Y-Balance Test Reach Distances

“…The participants were video-recorded from the frontal and sagittal planes and the trials were graded at a later time. This is a commonly used [6,[19][20][21][22][23][24], reliable [25] method for scoring the FMS. Participants were not familiarized with the FMS prior to testing as knowledge of the FMS scoring scheme affects performance [6].…”

Relationships between Functional Movement Screen, VAS, ODI and Back Endurance in Individual with Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain

“…26 Mitchell et al found that total FMS scores were associated with core strength and dynamic posture. 18 FMS measured trunk stability through push-ups, rotary stability, deep squats, inline lunges, and hurdle steps. 2,15,16 Based on the results of the current investigation, FMS is a useful tool for determining and integrating the functional movement capabilities of the population with CLBP and could add valuable information for subjects with CLBP.…”