Improving Functional Movement Patterns Reduces Pathomechanics in Competitive Distance Runners

Improving Functional Movement Patterns Reduces Pathomechanics in Competitive Distance Runners

Running related injuries are linked to faulty running biomechanics such as excessive hip adduction (HADD), hip internal rotation (HIR), knee valgus (KVAL), and contralateral pelvis drop (CPD). Functional movement pattern (FMP) training is a novel intervention used by clinicians to correct underlying FMPs (stepping, squatting) with the aim of affecting more sport specific mechanics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week FMP corrective program to reduce pathomechanics in six runners with dysfunctional FMPs. We used paired t-tests to evaluate changes in peak motion in degrees for HADD, HIR, KVAL, and CPD; and total Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores out of 21. Five of seven FMS movements are scored bilaterally to evaluate asymmetries. Five male and one female adult competitive runners who ran at least 50 mpw (18.5+0.5 yrs, 1.7+0.1 m, 55.4+3.8 kg) and had dysfunctional FMPs as identified using the FMS participated in this study. They underwent 3D motion analysis of running biomechanics using a 10-camera motion capture system while running on a treadmill (3.10+0.3 m/s). An 8-week corrective exercise program based on their FMS results was incorporated into their team’s strength and conditioning sessions. Improvements were shown in FMS scores (pre 14.8+1.0 vs post 16.0+1.7, p<.05), number of asymmetries (pre 4 vs post 2) and HIR (pre 16.2+3.60 vs post 10.4+3.60, p<.05. There were no significant changes in HADD or CPD, p>.05. Correcting underlying FMPs may reduce known running pathomechanics. This novel approach may be effective in developing injury prevention programs.