Prevalence of Movement Dysfunction in Female Collegiate Dancers

Abstract

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a screening instrument developed to identify basic movement dysfunctions that may increase musculoskeletal injury risk potential. To date there are no published normative values for the FMS™ in dancers; consequently, this study sought to establish those values in addition to identifying the prevalence and nature of movement dysfunction in collegiate dancers. The functional movement proficiency of 111 collegiate dancers was determined using the FMS™, which provides three variables of interest: 1. FMS™ total score, 2. number of asymmetries (unequal performance of right and left sides), and 3. number of movement pattern dysfunctions. Total FMS™ scores ranged from 11 to 20 out of 21 possible points, with a mean of 16.42 (SD = 1.72). Forty-four percent of dancers presented with one or more asymmetries and 43% demonstrated one or more dysfunctional movement patterns. The active straight-leg raise was the most proficiently performed movement pattern, while the deep squat, hurdle step, and rotary stability were the least proficient. Functional Movement Screen outcome scores indicated that dysfunctional movement patterns and asymmetries exist in collegiate dancers. Additional research is needed to establish normative FMS™ scores for the different genres and levels of dance and establish the relationship between FMS™ scores and injury risk potential, and if that relationship is established, determine the efficacy of the FMS™ to develop intervention programs for injury prevention.