BackgroundThe Functional Movement Screen (FMS) protocol consists of 7 tests (Cook & Burton, 2014). At higher values mean higher quality of movement execution. Lower limb functional asymmetry (FA) is monitored to control the athlete's injury risk (Sannicandroet al., 2011).ObjectiveTo examine the correlation between the FMS score and strength asymmetry in professional soccer players (PSP).DesignDescriptive study (correlation study investigating the relationship between variables).SettingProfessional soccer.Participantsn=30 professional soccer players (age: 22.2±4.6; weight: 74.3±10,1 kg; height: 176.1±8.7 cm), 4 players were excluded due to joint or muscle injury within the last 18 months.Assessment of Risk FactorsThe FMS protocol identifies athletes as being at risk of injury when the total score is ≤14. The Hop Test (HT), Side Hop (SH) and Hop Crossover (CH) test are considered to represent a valid assessment of the single lower limb FA. The counter movement jump (CMJ) test indirectly evaluates explosive strength capacity (jump height).Main Outcome MeasurementsThe sample was evaluated using the 7 FMS test and CMJ, HT, SH and CH tests for strength capacity. FA was calculated between the two limbs as follows: (jump dominant limb–jump non-dominant limb)/jump dominant-limb*100 (Yamamoto, 1993).ResultsWe observed a significant inverse correlation between FMS score and the SH asymmetry percentage (r=−0.678, p<0.01) and the CH asymmetry percentage (r=−0.572,p<0.01). We also observed a significant positive correlation between the FMS score and CMJ values (r=0.531, p<0.01). No significant correlation was found between FMS and the HT asymmetry percentage (r=−0.245).ConclusionsThe best quality movement in FMS test was correlated with high performance in CMJ and with low percentage of lower limb FA, respectively.

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BackgroundFunctional asymmetry (FA) is often analyzed to reduce the young soccer players injury risk. Strength asymmetry values greater than or equal to 15% indicate a potential injury risk (Noyes et al., 1991).ObjectiveDescribe lower limb FA values.DesignDescriptive study.SettingYouth soccer.Participants112 young soccer players (n=47 under 13 male, 12.4±0.6 yrs, 44.2±7.8 kg, 152.8±11.1 cm, BMI:17.7±0.8; n=26 under 14 male, 13.9±0.4 yrs, 56.4±8.2 kg, 168.8±8.6 cm, BMI:18.6±0.2; n=25 Under 15 female, 13.6±1.9 yrs, 49.8±6.4 kg, 159.3±6.5 cm, BMI:18.2±1.2). Inclusion criteria: no lower limb injury in the last 1 yr; soccer training age at least 3 yrs (n=15 were excluded).Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)Single leg jumps, performed as Hop Test (HT), Side Hop (SH) and Triple Hop(TH) tests were used a validated marker of lower limb FA.Main Outcome MeasurementsYoung soccer players were assessed by HT, SH, TH to evaluate strength. FA was calculated between the two limbs as follows: (jump dominant limb–jump non-dominant limb)/jump dominant-limb*100 (Yamamoto, 1993)ResultsFA values are shown in the table below. *indicates p<0.05. Table 1Group% FA HT% FA SH% FA THU13 male10.1±6.119.2±11.1*9.6±6.7U14 male12.2±8.114.4±10.710.2±4.7U15 female10.8±7.212.3±9.48.4±6.5ConclusionsMonitoring of functional strength asymmetry values in the young player may help staff in reducing injury risk in youth soccer. The SH reveals s asymmetry values greater than the other two tests. The large standard deviations observed suggest that individualized preventive strategies should be adopted.

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