Consortium for Health and Military Performance and American College of Sports Medicine Summit

Abstract

Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) is critical in both civilian and military populations to enhance physical performance, optimize health, and minimize health care expenses. Developing a more unified approach through addressing identified movement impairments could result in improved dynamic balance, trunk stability, and functional movement quality while potentially minimizing the risk of incurring such injuries. Although the evidence supporting the utility of injury prediction and return-to-activity readiness screening tools is encouraging, considerable additional research is needed regarding improving sensitivity, specificity, and outcomes, and especially the implementation challenges and barriers in a military setting. If selected current functional movement assessments can be administered in an efficient and cost-effective manner, utilization of the existing tools may be a beneficial first step in decreasing the burden of MSKI, with a subsequent focus on secondary and tertiary prevention via further assessments on those with prior injury history.

Current considerations related to physiological differences between the sexes and physical employment standards

“…This has also been found in the workplace (Roberts 2013), suggesting that correcting poor movement patterns can provide some protection against injuries in physically demanding occupations. In addition to corrective exercises for those employed, pre-employment functional movement assessments may hold promise for reducing injuries in the workplace (Teyhen et al 2014). …”

Functional Performance Measures Used for Return-to-Sport Criteria in Youth Following Lower-Extremity Injury

“…Numerous authors agree return-to-sport training protocols and testing criteria incorporating quantitative measures, including functional performance testing, should be used to determine lowerextremity function postinjury. 12,[26][27][28] However, reports on the application and outcomes of these protocols and tests for the youth or high school athlete are few. 23,24 Manske and Reiman 29 defined functional performance tests/ measures as assessments used to qualify and quantify specialized movements in sport and exercise.…”

“…The American College of Sports Medicine Summit in 2014 discussed the utility of functional movement assessments used to identify musculoskeletal injury risk and return-to-play/duty. 28 The expert panel established the need for using functional movement assessments to determine readiness or returnto-play following injury and rehabilitation. 28 A standardized approach to movement assessment was suggested as an effective method for injury prevention and return-to-play criteria.…”

“…28 The expert panel established the need for using functional movement assessments to determine readiness or returnto-play following injury and rehabilitation. 28 A standardized approach to movement assessment was suggested as an effective method for injury prevention and return-to-play criteria. 28 With the concept of functional movement assessment in mind, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have received considerable attention in the last 20 years.…”

“…28 A standardized approach to movement assessment was suggested as an effective method for injury prevention and return-to-play criteria. 28 With the concept of functional movement assessment in mind, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have received considerable attention in the last 20 years. The focus has been on preventative strategies and rehabilitation programs.…”