The Clinical Application of Motor Performance Test Scores in Screening and Predicting Lower Limb Injuries in Runners

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of sport injuries and corrective exercise, Islamic Azad University Tehran Science & Research Branch (Oloom Tahghighat), Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Shomal University, Amol, Iran.

3 Faculty Member and the director of international office/ Sport sciences research institute of Iran

Abstract

Objective: To determine the predictive value of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the Standing Vertical Jump (SVJ) tests for lower limb injuries in runners.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 115 runners aged 18-55 from Tehran were randomly selected. Their performance was assessed using the FMS and SVJ tests, and injury incidence was recorded via questionnaire over a six-month follow-up period. Data analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation coefficient and logistic regression in SPSS version 26.

Results: A significant inverse, though weak, correlation was found between the total FMS score and injury incidence (r = -0.18). A stronger and significant inverse correlation was observed between the right leg vertical jump score and injury occurrence (r = -0.62) (p < 0.05 for both). These findings indicate that lower FMS scores (movement dysfunction) and reduced explosive power/lower limb symmetry are associated with a higher probability of injury.

Conclusion: While the FMS is capable of predicting injury, its limited predictive power suggests it may not be sufficient alone for accurately identifying high-risk individuals. In contrast, the stronger association of the vertical jump test with injury underscores the importance of objectively assessing strength and symmetry as key components in injury risk evaluation. The reduction in power likely reflects muscular weakness or compensatory patterns that compromise dynamic body stability during running.

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Main Subjects

Sport Science and Battle Ability
Volume 4, Issue 7
January 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 05 January 2026

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