Correlations between Functional Movement Screening (FMS) Results and the Range of Motion of Lower Limb Joints Young Middle Distance Runners

Background: The relationship between range of motion (ROM) in lower limb joints and Functional movement screen still not clear. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the correlation between Functional Movement Screening (FMS) results and ROM in lower limb joints. Methods: Forty-eight young middle distance runners (26 men and 22 women) performed an FMS test and a ROM test of the lower limb joints. Nonparametric testing was used to compare the ROM of left and right lower extremities, an independent-sample T-test was used to compare FMS test scores between left and right sides, and Spearman correlation was used to analyze relationships between FMS test results and ROM of lower limb joints. Results: A negative correlation was observed between left hurdle step and ROM of right knee flexion (r = –0.435, p < 0.05), while a positive correlation was observed between right hurdle step and ROM of right ankle flexion (r = 0.392, p < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between left in-line lunge and ROM of left knee flexion (r = –0.508, p < 0.05), while a positive correlation was observed between right in-line lunge and ROM of right hip extension (r = 0.445, p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between left active straight-leg-raise and ROM of left hip flexion (r = 0.464, p < 0.05), and a positive correlation between right rotary stability and ROM of right ankle extension (r = 0.393, p < 0.05). The trunk-stability push-up and ROM of left ankle flexion was negatively correlated (r = –0.446, p < 0.01). Conclusions: FMS test results were significantly correlated with ROM of hip, knee and ankle joints on the sagittal plane, with differences observed between the left and right sides. The ROM of flexion, extension of hip and extension of ankle were positively correlated with the FMS test results, while larger knee flexion and ankle flexion ROM were negatively correlated with FMS test results. We propose that excessive ROM of the knee and ankle could affect the development of stability. The results of this study should help to further our understanding of FMS.