CrossFit athletes exhibit high symmetry of fundamental movement patterns. A cross-sectional study

Abstract

SummaryBackground: even if CrossFit training programs accounted actually more than 7500 gyms affiliated in the USA and more than 2000 in Europe and involved today more than 1 million of people, actually there were not several studies about the effect of the CrossFit on the health and sport performance. The aim of these research was to evaluate the performance in 7 fundamental movement patterns using a standardized methods, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Methods: we enrolled three groups of athletes (age 17-40 years; >6 months of training programs): CrossFitters, body builders and professional weightlifters. FMS test was performed to all people enrolled. Scores of FMS test was examined comparing three groups. Results: no differences in the three groups were showed in the mean score values of each test and in total score, except for shoulder mobility test (higher among CrossFitters) and trunk stability push-up test (higher among weightlifter). Agreement between the test performed on the two sides was higher in CrossFit groups for hurdle step (93.2%), in line lung (86%), rotary stability test (95.3%) and shoulder mobility (90.7%; p<0.001). Conclusions: CrossFitters seem to have a high level of concordance in the scores achieved in bilateral test. CrossFit seems to produce marked symmetry in some fundamental movements compared to weightlifting and bodybuilding.

Effect of FIFA 11+ Training Program on Soccer-Specific Physical Performance and Functional Movement in Collegiate Male Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Similar to our findings, Barber-Westin et al [46] reported that regularly applying a neuromuscular training program that includes dynamic balance, agility, and strength significantly improved tennis-specific drills in tennis players. The changes of FMS scores in the FIFA 11+ training group support our hypothesis regarding improvement of neuromuscular control after training, as movement patterns included in the FMS require neuromuscular/motor control [47]. Particularly, the hurdle step, which is one of the movement patterns, requires proper coordination because it is designed to assess the body's stride mechanism that occurs during the stepping motion [16].…”

Gender may have an influence on the relationship between Functional Movement Screen scores and gait parameters in elite junior athletes – A pilot study

“…FMS is widely used in several sports fields as a standardized method to measure the seven fundamental movement patterns. For example, the results from a previous study suggest that CrossFit produce marked symmetry in some fundamental movements compared with weight lifting or bodybuilding (33). Furthermore, FMS prescreening system found lower limb asymmetry in 40% of the members of one of Hungary's first league soccer clubs when examined the quality of functional movement patterns (38).…”

Functional Movement Screen Composite Scores for Collegiate Field Club Sport Athletes at One University

“…5,39 Certified athletic trainers reported 1524 high school soccer injuries across 637,446 AE's, with an injury rate of 2.39 per 1,000. 60 During a five year span, thirteen male soccer club athletes sustained an injury at Utah State University. 52 The injury rate was greater during competition (4.77) than practice (1.37).…”

“…59 When 290 elite athletes from the Chinese national teams were evaluated, an average FMS CS score of 15.2+3.0 was noted. 60 One review suggested there is moderate evidence that the FMS CS predicts injury in soccer athletes, but limited or conflicting evidence with American football, college athletes, basketball, ice hockey, running, police, and firefighters. 61 Each population displays different FMS CS.…”

“…71 It is hypothesized that clinicians should pay more attention to individual movement scores. 60 at least one or more painful movements. 63 Only examining the FMS CS can hide a specific area of concern.…”