ASYMMETRIES AND LOW INDIVIDUAL SCORES ON THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN PREDICT INJURY IN NCAA DIVISION II ATHLETES

Hull Auditorium

Objective. To determine if a score of “1” or a left to right asymmetry in the individual FMS tests predicts injury in NCAA Division II collegiate athletes. Background. Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMS) scores of < 14 have been used to predict injury in athletic populations. Clinicians prioritize individual test scores of “1” and asymmetries when designing corrective programs. Therefore, identifying either of these may have more utility in predicting injury. Methods. : 94 male and female collegiate athletes with no recent history of musculoskeletal injury performed the FMS during pre-season. Injury incidence data were tracked for an academic year by certified athletic trainers via computer software. Injury was defined as physical damage to the body secondary to physical training where the athlete sought medical care. Both contact and noncontact injuries were included. Total FMS scores were categorized as low ( < 14) or high ( > 14). Pearson Chi-square analyses were used to determine if (a) total FMS scores could predict injury, and (b) individual scores of “1” or an asymmetry could predict injury, P < .05. Results. Athletes whose total FMS scores were < 14 were not more likely to sustain an injury (95% CI=.460-2.839, P=.774). However, athletes with individual scores of “1” or an asymmetry were 6.8x more likely to sustain an injury (95% CI=2.618- 17.566, P < .001). Conclusion. Total FMS scores could not be used to predict injury in this group. However, a score of “1” or an asymmetry in the individual tests did predict injury. Individual test scores may provide clinicians with better guidance when developing injury prevention programs. Grants. no grants