Comparing Functional Movement Screen Scores and Performance between Male and Female Soccer Players

Abstract

Introduction: Soccer is the most popular sport globally for both men and women. The functional movement screen (FMS) is a 7-part standardized tool created by experts to evaluate movement quality. This research compares FMS scores and performance between male and female soccer players.
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 semi-professional soccer players (30 males and 30 females) participated in this study. All participants completed the FMS test, Y-balance test, Davies test, single hop for distance, and cross-over hop test. Between-group comparisons were performed using an independent t test for normally distributed variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed variables.
Results: There were no significant differences between male and female players in deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, or overall FMS score (P>0.05). However, significant differences were found in shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability (P<0.05). Men performed better in trunk stability, while women excelled in shoulder mobility and active straight leg raise. Men outperformed women in the single-hop distance and the cross-over hop. In upper extremity performance, males performed better in the Davies test and dynamic balance in the superolateral direction, with no significant differences in other upper extremity dynamic balance directions.
Conclusion: The study’s findings demonstrate the necessity of gender-specific training programs to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. According to the findings, it is recommended that flexibility and mobility exercises be implemented for male soccer players and that core stability and strength training be implemented for female soccer players.