Evaluating Movement Quality among Sports Science Students

Abstract

Background/Objective: Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries pose a significant concern for physically active populations, affecting their mobility, balance, and quality of life. Sports science students engaged in rigorous physical training are vulnerable and particularly susceptible to injuries due to the demands of their active curriculum. This study evaluates their functional movement quality to inform preventive strategies tailored to this active demographic. Using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), we aim to assess baseline movement patterns, discern potential gender-based differences in injury risks, and guide specific interventions. Method: Employing a cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative study utilizing FMS was conducted on 139 sports science students (66 males, 73 females). Sample size was calculated using Cochran formula to ensure a 95% confidence interval at a 0.05 significance level. Data was collected under experts supervision and analyzed with SPSS version 23, emphasizing balance, mobility, and stability, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: The study found average scores in balance (7.88±0.98), and mobility (4.81±0.97), among participants, yet stability (3.54±1.04) emerged as a concern with significant limb asymmetries observed in HS and RS tests (p = 0.022* and p = 0.023*). No significant gender differences were found (p=0.824), suggesting uniform movement quality across the cohort. Nonetheless, a higher injury risk was identified in 20.9% of participants, predominantly females. Conclusion: The study reveals good balance and mobility among sports science students but highlights stability issues among sports science students, with female students exhibiting an injury risk. This underscores the need for curriculum enhancements and preventive measures to bolster MSK health in sports science education.