Assessment of the impact of functional training on the result of the Functional Movement Screen tests in footballers

Introduction
Systematic physical training has a positive impact on the body, but it can also cause injuries and damage to the musculoskeletal system. Training and medical staff are constantly looking for methods to accurately assess the risk of injury, as well as training programmes to reduce this risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of functional training on Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores in a group of football players.

Material and methods
A group of 30 football players of GKS "Pniowek-74" Pawlowice was recruited and randomly assigned to two comparison groups: group A, which in addition to the standard training cycle also followed a functional training programme, and group B, which participated only in the standard training cycle. The FMS test, consisting of 7 tests assessing general movement patterns, was used for functional assessment.

Results
When the functional assessment was completed in Measurement II, an increase in the mean FMS score was observed in both groups when compared to Measurement I, however, it was the Group A that achieved a significantly higher difference when compared to Group B (p<0.01). The Deep Squat (p<0.05) and Active Straight Leg Raise (p<0.01) tests showed the greatest improvement over the comparison group. Moreover, Group A showed statistically significant improvement in 5 out of 7 tests while Group B in none.

Conclusions
Implementing functional training has a positive impact on the overall FMS test score. Implementing functional training positively influences the evaluation of individual trials in the FMS.