The association between functional movement screening, motor control, and knee injury risk in soccer players
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Abstract
Knee injuries in soccer are common and often linked to deficits in movement quality and neuromuscular control. The relationship between Functional Movement Screening (FMS), motor control, and self-reported knee symptoms in university athletes remains unclear. This study examined their association in male physical education students with soccer experience. A cross-sectional design included 120 males (21.00 ± 0.50 years), divided into injured (n = 60) and non-injured (n = 60) based on self-reported knee injury history. Four FMS subtests (deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, active straight leg raise) were selected for lower-extremity assessment. Motor control was evaluated using the single-leg balance test. Knee symptoms and function were measured with the Knee Injury Symptom and Function Questionnaire (KISFQ). Spearman correlations and Mann–Whitney U tests were applied (α = 0.05). FMS and symptom scores were non-normally distributed. Results showed a weak negative correlation between FMS and symptoms (ρ = -0.33, p = .011) and a moderate negative correlation between motor control and symptoms (ρ = -0.41, p = .003). Significant between-group differences were found in FMS, motor control, and symptom scores (p < .001). Injured participants had lower FMS scores and shorter balance times. FMS and motor control are significantly associated with knee-related symptoms, with motor control showing a stronger relationship. These findings support integrating both measures in athlete evaluations. Longitudinal research is needed to establish causality.
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References
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