Abstract
Little is known about the construct validity of the Functional Movement Screen
(FMS). We aimed to assess associations between FMS task scores and measures of
maximum joint range-of-motion (ROM) among university varsity student-athletes
from 4 sports (volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, and soccer). Athletes
performed FMS tasks and had their maximum ankle, hip and shoulder ROM measured.
Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate associations between FMS
task scores and ROM measurements. 101 university student-athletes were recruited
(52 W/49 M; mean age 20.4±1.9 years). In
general, athletes with higher FMS task scores had greater ROM compared to those
with lower task scores. For example, athletes who scored 2 on the FMS squat task
had 4° (95% CI, 1° to 7°) more uni-articular
ankle dorsiflexion ROM compared with those who scored 1, while those who scored
3 on the FMS squat task had 10° (4° to 17°) more
uni-articular ankle dorsiflexion ROM compared with those who scored 1. Large
variation in ROM measurements was observed. In sum, substantial overlap in joint
ROM between groups of athletes with different FMS task scores weakens the
construct validity of the FMS as an indicator of specific joint ROM.
Key words
construct validity - functional movement screen - measurement - mobility - range-of-motion - stability