Effectiveness of a Functional Movement Screen® Corrective Exercise Program as a Means of Preventing Injury in Collegiate Swimmers

Effectiveness of a Functional Movement Screen® Corrective Exercise Program as a Means of Preventing Injury in Collegiate Swimmers

The Functional Movement Screen® (FMS) is a test designed to identify asymmetries and dysfunctions in movement patterns with the goal of injury risk prevention. This screen and its subsequent corrective programming have potential to benefit collegiate swimmers in reducing the frequency of injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of implementation of an FMS-basedcorrective exercise program on injury reduction in collegiate swimmers. 62 NCAA Division II male and female swimmers underwent FMS testing at their pre-participation examination in 8/2017. A significant interaction was found (χ2(1)=4.38, p=.036). 22.9% of 2016 swimmers (no corrective exercises) sustained an MSI compared to 41.9% in 2017 (yes corrective exercises). Phi=.200 indicating a weak positive association between MSI frequency and the presence of a corrective exercise program. Implementation of FMS-based analyzed for asymmetries and dysfunctions. Movement patterns to be improved upon were identified deficiencies and were implemented by the researchers 2-3x/wk. The teams’ athletic trainer tracked pre-Scores were based upon the most prevalent deficits. Corrective exercise programs were designed to address these season musculoskeletal injuries (MSI). Pearson Chi-square test of independence was calculated comparing the frequency of MSI frequency between fall 2017 were compared to MSI in fall 2016 (no corrective exercises, N=48). corrective exercise programs did not successfully reduce the frequency of injuries for men’s and women’s swimming teams. Other factors