Abstract:
There are varied reports in the literature linking joint movement dysfunction or
imbalances and overuse injuries from repeated sport participation over a prolonged
period of time. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a correlation
between mobility and stability of collegiate gymnasts and their pain ratings during a
competitive season. The study was conducted with 19 female collegiate gymnasts.
Prior to the beginning of the competitive gymnastics season, each participant completed
a pre-test that included four out of seven Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
assessments as well as the Thomas Test. During the competitive season, each subject
rated their pain over the course of 10 weeks. At the end of the gymnastics season, the
same assessments were then completed as the post-test. Average FMS scores as well
as Thomas Test pass or fail ratings were compared to average pain data to determine
that there was a significant correlation between the post-test FMS scores and the
overall average pain data. No other significant correlations were found. Overall, while
some trends were found between some FMS scores, Thomas Test scores, and the pain
data, there was only a significant correlation between the post-test FMS scores and the
overall average pain.
