Effects of Functional Movement Training on Batting Kinematics in Adolescent Baseball Players

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8-week functional movement training on batting kinematics and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score in young baseball athletes with a composite FMS score of ≤14.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 26 male junior high school baseball players (chronological age 13.52 y [0.66]; predicted age at peak height velocity 13.68 y [0.42]), randomly assigned to an experimental (performing functional movement training), or, a control group (performing routine training). Batting kinematics were assessed using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system, and FMS score was evaluated using the FMS test. Both outcomes were measured before and after training.

Results: The experimental group significantly improved batting time and velocity and FMS score after training when compared with the control group. However, there were no significant changes in the other kinematic parameters between the experimental and control groups.

Conclusion: Eight-week functional movement training demonstrated positive effects on batting performance and movement quality in adolescent baseball players with poor movement quality and core control. Further research is warranted to investigate the biomechanical mechanisms underlying these improvements.