Active duty firefighters can improve Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores following an 8-week individualized client workout program

• Published in: Work (Reading, Mass.) Mass.), 2017-01, Vol.56 (2), p.213-220, Article 213
• Main Authors: Stanek, Justin M., Dodd, Daniel J., Kelly, Adam R., Wolfe, Alex M., Swenson, Ryan A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accident prevention; Adult; Exercise; Exercise Test - methods; Exercise Test - standards; Firefighters; Fitness training programs; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Movement; Physical fitness; Program Evaluation - methods; Risk management; Studies
• ISSN: 1051-9815; 1875-9270
• DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172493

BACKGROUND: Firefighting is a dangerous occupation that requires adequate functional movement patterns to help reduce injury risk. Structured programs for improving movement quality have not been studied in firefighters. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of an 8-week individualized corrective exercise training program on Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores in active duty firefighters. METHODS: Fifty-six male firefighters volunteered to participate in the study. All subjects completed baseline FMS testing and scores were entered into the FMS Pro360 system, subscription-based software which generates an individualized corrective exercise workout based on each independent test score. Two, 4-week corrective exercise programs were generated for each participant based on baseline testing. Following the 8-weeks, participants completed follow-up FMS testing. RESULTS: A significant increase in total FMS score (pre = 12.09±2.75, post = 13.66±2.28) was found after the program. A significant increase in stability (pre = 4.13±1.21, post = 4.55±0.83) and advanced movements (pre = 4.45±1.28, post = 5.36±1.29) were also found, however, no difference was observed in mobility tests (3.52±1.09, post = 3.75±0.90). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest an 8-week individualized corrective exercise program was effective at improving scores on the FMS. Providing corrective exercise programs specific to improving levels of dysfunction or maintaining/enhancing function, may increase firefighter preparedness and attempt to minimize injury risk.