Functional Assessment in Elite Basketball Players

Abstract

Functional movement testing is commonly used in elite basketball in effort to identify subtle and gross movement deviations. Depending on resources available, the testing process may vary from clinical observation, possibly using a standard 2D camera, to a comprehensive laboratory-based biomechanical analysis utilizing force plates and 3D motion capture analysis. Regardless of the level of technology used, it is best practice to select functional movements to be tested that replicate the physical demands athletes endure during high-level basketball competition. While the most recent evidence in the literature does not support the use of functional movement testing as an injury prediction tool, corrective and performance interventions following testing have been found to be useful in reducing the risk of injury optimizing quality of movement on the court.