Master of Education in Human Movement, Sport, and Leisure Studies Graduate Projects

Abstract

Functional movement is the ability to perform movements (e.g., deep squat, push-ups, leg lunges) requiring balance, stabilization, and basic coordination without compensation or displaying left-to-right imbalances in muscle activity or flexibility (Cook, 2010). Competent functional movement allows for the proper development of motor control and optimal adaptability to training (Cook, 2010). Participation in structured youth sports is common in American culture, but how this participation effects functional movement ability long into adulthood is yet to be determined. The purpose of this study was to determine how functional movement ability, assessed by the Functional Movement Screen® (FMS), is impacted by participation in a season of high school level basketball. Eighteen total male (n = 10) and female (n = 8) high school basketball players completed the FMS pre- and post- season. Scores were analyzed using a mixed-design repeated measures ANOVA. No significant differences were found for the main effects of Time [F(1,16) = 2.810, p = 0.113, 1-β =0.351] or Sex [F(1, 16) = 0.180, p = 0.677, 1-β = 0.068] for composite FMS scores, or for the interaction of Time × Sex [F(1, 16) = 0.057, p = 0.814, 1-β = 0.056]. In addition, individual FMS tasks scores were compared pre- to post-season using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. No significant differences were found between individual FMS task scores pre- to post-season for the group as a whole, or based on sex. Therefore, the results of the present study indicate participation in a high school basketball season does not limit nor enhance functional movement ability. In addition, differences in sex, relating to overall FMS composite scores, individual task scores, or changes in scores were not apparent in this age group or sport.

Advisor

Dr. Lynn A. Darby

Second Reader

Dr. Todd Keylock

Semester

Spring

Year

2020

Degree

M.Ed.

Program

Kinesiology

COinS