Amy Bartley

Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Dr. Barbara Long

Degree Award Date

Spring 2003

Keywords

injury trends, male inter-collegiate athletes, Functional Movement Screens

Disciplines

Exercise Science | Kinesiology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gather data in order to compare injury trends in male inter-collegiate athletes and Functional Movement Screen scores. Athletes are prone to injury by the nature of their sport. Their anatomical makeup, and even biomechanics can predispose them to sprained ankles, lower back pain, or rotator cuff tears. Injures can be prevented by individualized training, stretching, and proprioception work. Pre-participation physicals are required before an athlete can participate in organized sports, however, this type of exam only checks for current or potential general medical conditions. Functional Movement Screen testing assesses the athlete for weaknesses in their physical ability that could be prevented. "Functional testing encompasses measuring various activities to provide a baseline for determining progress or to provide normative data with which to compare performance. " The flexibility of hamstrings, lack of strength in knees, and lack of neuromuscular control are all examined in the seven tests that make up the Functional Movement Screen. By comparing Functional Movement scores and injury trends in athletes, injury prevention may be examined. Lack of strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control has been shown to predispose athletes to certain mobility and stability defects in preventable injuries. It is important to assess these issues prior to participation and not simply during rehabilitation of an injury or return to play criteria. Proper workout and training program may decrease the chances of these injuries from occurring. The following literature review was conducted to research the affects of strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control in athletics.

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