Comparison of 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 seven-part standardized tool created by experts to evaluate movement quality. This research compared FMS scores and performance between male and female soccer players.
Materials and Methods: A total of sixty 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 Crossover Hop Test. Between-group comparisons were performed using independent t-tests for normally distributed variables and Mann-Whitney U tests 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). Males performed better in Trunk Stability, while females excelled in Shoulder Mobility and Active Straight Leg Raise. Males outperformed females in Single hop for distance and 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: This study demonstrates the necessity of gender-specific training programs, as they are crucial in enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury. According to the findings, it is recommended that flexibility and mobility exercises be implemented for male soccer players and core stability and strength training for female soccer players.
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Issue | Articles in Press | |
Section | Research Article(s) | |
Keywords | ||
Soccer, Athletic Performance, Risk Factors, Sex |
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