FMS assessment and core stability in a group of amateur climbers

Background: The objective of the study was to assess the functional status of people who regularly climb for recreational purposes, using the FMS (Functional Movement Screen) and core stability tests (McGill's torso muscular endurance tests). This paper also attempts to determine the relation between the assessment of functional efficiency and the results obtained in core stability tests. Material and methods: The study group were consisted of 30 amateur climbers (aged 26 ±3), who were compared to a control group of 30 people who don’t climb but recreationally practice volleyball (aged 22 ±3). All participants performed each of the seven FMS trials and the three McGill's tests. Results: Amateur climbers, in comparison to non-climbers, were achieved higher scores in each of the core stability trials (p<0,05). Climbers also scored significantly higher results in all FMS trials as well as in the final average (19,0 3 ±1,54 vs. 16,60 ±3,60; p<0,01). In addition, there were found positive correlations between FMS and core stability trials in the group of climbers (Deep Squad vs. Side bridge test; In-Line Lunge vs. Side bridge test; Rotational Stability vs. all trials of the core stability test). Conclusions: People recreational practicing climbing are characterized by a high level of functional efficiency and above-average levels of deep trunk muscles endurance, responsible for the proper functioning of the central stabilization. Relationship between the overall results of the FMS and the core stability tests in the climbers' group shows that proper stability training, which is a part of the climbers training, may result in higher athletes’ performance.