Association between motor competence and functional movement screen scores

Abstract

Background. Motor competence (MC) is generally used to describe a person’s proficiency in a variety of motor skills and is the basis for one’s performance in sports and recreational activities. Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM) is one of the most used screening systems to provide interpretable measure of movement quality. Both FMSTM and MC constructs share three components: locomotor, manipulative and stabilizing movements. In the present study, it was hypothesized that MC scores can explain FMSTM variables. It was also predicted that better MC leads to better functional movement patterns in young adults. Methods. A sample of 92 young adults (73.9% men) with a mean age of 21.2 years participated in this study. All participants were evaluated on anthropometric measurements, dual x-ray absorptiometry; FMSTM and MC. Results. Men showed better MC scores and fat mass composition than women. Regarding specific tests, women scored higher in the FMSTM active straight leg raise test, whereas men performed better in the FMSTM trunk stability push-up (TSP) test. Manipulative tasks and construct presents’ significant and positive associations with FMSTM composite score (r ≥ 0.303). The significant negative correlation were more related to FMSTM TSP and MC shuttle run and FMSTM in-line lunge and MC manipulative. The FMSTM TSP presents significant associations with all MC constructs and tasks. Meanwhile, the FMSTM composite score is associated with all components of MC Stability (p < 0.05). In young adults, and independent of gender, the FMSTM explains fundamental movements based on motor control according to the stability construct. Moreover, the FMSTM TSP is associated with better performance in the all MC constructs and MC tasks. The FMSTM, on its own, is linked to objective MC stability measures.