The Reliability of Functional Movement Screening and In-Season Changes in Physical Function and Performance Among Elite Rugby League Players. Issue 4 (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Waldron, Mark; Gray, Adrian; Worsfold, Paul; Twist, Craig
• Is Part Of: Journal of strength and conditioning research. Volume 30:Issue 4(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: team sport -- mobility -- measurement error; Physical education and training -- Periodicals; Weight training -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Physical fitness -- Periodicals; 613.7
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000270
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1064-8011

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Waldron, M, Gray, A, Worsfold, P, and Twist, C. The reliability of functional movement screening and in-season changes in physical function and performance among elite rugby league players. J Strength Cond Res 30(4): 910–918, 2016—This study aimed to (a) assess the reliability of the functional movement screening (FMS) protocol and (b) to establish changes in both FMS and tests of physical performance throughout a season. The reliability of the FMS components (12 in total) was assessed through a nonparametric statistical approach, based on 2 trials, separated by 1 week. Score on the FMS, strength (3 repetition maximum full squat, 1 repetition maximum [1 RM] bench press), running speed (10 and 40 m), and jump height of 12 elite male under-19 rugby league players was monitored at pre-, mid-, and late-season periods. There was no bias ( p > 0.05) found between trials for the FMS, with the majority of components reaching 100% "perfect agreement, " reflecting the good reliability of the FMS tool. There were no effects ( p > 0.05) of season stage on any of the FMS components; however, an improvement ( p ⩽ 0.05) between the pre- and both mid- and late-season periods was apparent in every component of fitness, such as 1 RM bench press (112.92 ± 24.54 kg; 125.83 ± 21.41 kg; 125.98 ± 24.48 kg) and 40-m sprint time (5.69 ± 0.35 seconds; 5.62 ± 0.31 seconds; 5.64 ± 0.27 seconds). Our findings demonstrate that the FMS can be reliably administered to elite rugby league players but will not change in accordance with physical performance across a competitive season. Our findings should not necessarily deter practitioners from using the FMS but begin to question the specific qualities that are being assessed through its administration.