Impact of Core Training on Functional Movement Screen Scores in Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical scenario: The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is used to assess movement patterns and the risk of injury of active individuals. Current studies have found positive relationships with core training and injury prevention as well as lower limb stability, which can help improve FMS scores.

Clinical question: Does the implementation of a core training program have an impact on FMS scores in healthy active adults who participate in sport?

Summary of key findings: Literature was searched for articles that included core-focused exercises and implementation of the FMS. This resulted in 25 studies being returned, only 23 of which were published in the last 10 years. Only 7 focused on the change in FMS scores after implementation of core training. Three of these studies were included in the analysis due to the specialized athlete population. All 3 studies found that using a core training program led to significantly higher FMS scores postintervention.

Clinical bottom line: There is clear evidence that core training increases FMS scores in athletes. It is important for health care providers treating athletes to consider core training to improve functional movement patterns or FMS scores in sport-specific populations.

Strength of recommendation: Overall, there are moderate to high levels of evidence that support a grade B recommendation for core training improvements on FMS scores in athletes.