Comparison of functional movement patterns and risk of injuries in amateur athletes practicing symmetric and asymmetric sports

Background
Participating in amateur sports seeks to improve overall well-being. However, it also carries a high risk of injuries and abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system. One of the factors that predisposes to an increase in injuries in both amateur and professional sports is the asymmetry of movement. Asymmetrical movements in sports can globally affect the athlete's body and precursor to various types of abnormalities.

Aim
The purpose of this study is to compare an asymmetrical sport (tennis) with symmetrical sport (long-distance running) in terms of injury risk and basic movement patterns.

Material and methods
The study group consisted of 30 tennis players and 30 runners of both genders, between 20 and 50 years old, practicing their sports at the amateur level. One of the research methods used was a questionnaire that included questions regarding elementary participant information, training, and health information. In addition, basic movement patterns were assessed using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test.

Results
There were more asymmetries found in the FMS test in tennis players than in runners, and better results in terms of the number of points in runners. However, they did not demonstrate a higher occurrence of injuries in those practicing an asymmetric sport than those practicing a symmetric sport.

Conclusions
Based on the results, it was concluded that practicing an asymmetrical sport may increase the risk of asymmetries in basic movement patterns to a greater extent than practicing a symmetrical sport. Practicing asymmetrical sports at the amateur level does not seem to increase the occurrence of injuries any more than practicing symmetrical sports.