The Influence of Corrective Exercises on Functional Movement Screen and Physical Fitness Performance in Army ROTC Cadets

Context: The functional movement screen (FMS) is a tool designed to identify limitations between sections of the body during fundamental movements. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of corrective exercises to improve FMS scores. Objective: To examine the effects of individualized corrective exercises on improving FMS scores in Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets and to correlate these changes with physical fitness performance as established with the standard Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Design: Cluster randomized, cohort study. Setting: Controlled laboratory setting (FMS) and a field-based setting (APFT). Participants: Forty-four healthy, physically active cadets met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 24) or control (n = 20) group by cluster. Personalized intervention programs were developed through the FMS Pro360 system, a subscription-based software that generates corrective exercises based on individual FMS test scores. The experimental group performed the individualized programs 3 times per week for 4 weeks prior to morning physical training regime. The control group continued to participate in the standard warm-up drills as part of morning physical training. Main Outcome Measures: The dependent variables included the individual and composite FMS and APFT scores. Scores were reported and analyzed in several ways to determine the efficacy of corrective exercises. Results: Group FMS and APFT scores were similar at pretest. The experimental group had a significantly greater improvement in FMS composite score at 4 weeks post (U = 87; z = -3.83; P = .001; effect size = 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-1.98). No significant changes in APFT scores were found (U = 237.5, z = -0.33, P = .74). A nonsignificant weak correlation between the FMS and APFT scores (r = .25, P = .10) was found. Conclusion: Individualized corrective exercises improved FMS scores, but did not change physical fitness performance. FMS composite scores and APFT performance are not related.