Relationship between Functional Movement Screen scores and Selected Physical Fitness Factors in Boy Taekwondo Athletes

Background and There is a little research about relationship between the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and physical fitness factors in taekwondo. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the functional movement screen scores and selected physical fitness factors in the adolescent taekwondo athletes.
This study is a descriptive-correlational research. The statistical population of the research was adolescent taekwondo athletes in the Hamadan city. Sixty athletes (age = 13.89 ± 2.41 years; height = 156.32 ± 14.35 cm; body mass = 45.89 ± 13.24 kilograms) were randomly selected as the subject. The subjects were assessed by functional movement screening and physical fitness tests. The normality of data was tested by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Spearman’s correlation and linear multiple regression tests were used for data analysis (p ≤ 0.05).
The final regression model indicated that sit-and-reach (p=0.001) and single leg squat tests (p=0.027) would significantly predict functional movement screen composite scores (F = 3.85, p= 0.003, R Square=0.32). No significant correlation observed between the composite functional movement screen scores and 20-m sprint time (p=0.069), backward medicine ball throws (p=0.447), bilateral vertical jump (p=0.094) and agility (p=0.502).
Among the physical fitness factors, flexibility and lower extremity endurance had significant relationship with composite functional movement screen scores, based on regression model. The probable cause of this relationship can be attributed inline lunge, active straight leg raises and hurdle step tests which require flexibility. Therefore, in order to improve the functional movement screen scores of the taekwondo athletes, it is recommended that the flexibility and endurance of the lower extremity be included in their training program.