FMS Assessment and Core Stability in a Group of Climbers

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study was to assess the functional status of people who regularly climb for recreational purposes, using the FMS (Functional Movement Screen) and core stability tests (McGill's torso muscular endurance test battery). In this paper, an attempt is also made to determine the relationship between assessment of functional efficiency and the results obtained in core stability tests. Material and methods: The study group comprised 30 amateur climbers (aged 26 ± 3), who were compared to a control group of 30 people who do not climb but recreationally practice volleyball (aged 22 ± 3). All participants performed each of the 7 FMS trials and the 3 McGill's tests. Results: Amateur climbers, in comparison to non-climbers, achieved higher scores in each of the core stability trials (p<0.05). Climbers also scored significantly higher results in all FMS trials as well as for the final average (19.03 ± 1.54 vs. 16.60 ± 3.60; p<0.01). In addition, positive correlations were found between FMS and core stability trials in the group of climbers (Deep Squat vs. Side bridge test; In-Line Lunge vs. Side Bridge test; Rotational Stability vs. all trials of the core stability test). Conclusions: People recreationally practicing climbing are characterised by a high level of functional efficiency and above-average levels of deep trunk muscle endurance, responsible for the proper functioning of central stabilisation. The relationship between the overall results of the FMS and core stability tests in the climbers' group shows that proper stability training, which is a part of the climbers training, may result in higher athletic performance.

Keywords

• central stabilisation
• climbing
• functional assessment
• injury prevention
• recreational activities