Comparison of functional movement screen scores of soccer players and rowers

Abstract

Introduction. Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is an assessment tool used to determine skeletal asymmetry and dysfunction, especially in sports. The aim of this study was to compare the FMS scores of professional soccer players and rowers. Methods. A total of 40 male athletes (23 soccer players and 17 rowers) were included. All participants were assessed with FMS. The demographic characteristics, percentages of asymmetry and dysfunctions, as well as total FMS scores of soccer players and rowers were compared. Results. The mean age was 21.09 } 2.13 years for the soccer players and 21.12 } 2.80 years for the rowers. The total FMS score of the rowers was statistically significantly higher than that of the soccer players (p < 0.05). In addition, scores for the motor control, mobility, and reflex stability subcategories of FMS were found to be statistically significantly higher in rowers (p < 0.05). Conclusions. It is possible to say that rowing athletes have better mobility, reflex stability, and motor control than soccer players. This points out that the movement quality of rowers is higher than that of soccer players.