Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2023): Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research

Professional and Elite Young Soccer Players: Differences in Functional Movement ScreenTM Values

Italo Sannicandro (Clinical and Experimental Medicine Department, University of Foggia)
Giacomo Cofano (Master degree in Sciences and techniques of preventive and adapted motor activities, University of Foggia
Professional Soccer Strenght and Conditioning)

Rosario D'Onofrio (Member of the Medical-Scientific Multidisciplinary Commission, Italian Football Doctors Association - L.A.M.I.CA.)
Andrea Piccinno (Master degree in Motor Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Oct 2023

Abstract

Background: Soccer is a sport that requires very complex movements performed at high speeds: running, jumping, decelerating, changing direction or running direction, and kicking are complex movements that require high control and significant joint stability at all ages. Control of the body and individual body districts becomes important for both performance and injury prevention. Objective: This study aims to verify the Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM) values in different categories of players, from the youth leagues to professional soccer players. Methods: A sample of soccer players (n=112) took part in the study. The sample was subdivided according to their category, resulting in the following subgroups: a) professional soccer players (PSP, n=56,), Under 19 - Primavera (U19, n=29), Under 17 (U17, n=27). The FMS protocol was used to assess the seven functional movements and the associated risk of non-contact injury. Results: Statistically significant differences emerged in the total scores between the U17 group and the PSP group (14.8±2.9 vs 19.1±1.4, p<0.01), between the U17 group and the Under 19 - Primavera group (14.8±2.9 vs 16.2±2.1, p<0.05) and between the Under 19 - Primavera group and the PSP (16.2±2.1 vs 19.1±1.4, p<0.01). Conclusion: The values obtained show that young soccer players have a very different qualitative control of movement than highly qualified players. This study shows significant differences not only between the total scores, but more importantly between the individual 7 assessment tests that the FMS protocol includes: these values provide insight into which movements should receive more attention in athletic conditioning in the youth sector.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

pes

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

The Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research is an international peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research papers and reviews the fields of physical education, physical rehabilitation, and sports training. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research published two ...