Correlations between functional movement screening, hop distance, flexibility, and pain in collegiate badminton players during an indoor sports event Doi: https://doi.org/10.55522/jhpo.V2I6.0041.

Abstract

Badminton is a unilateral, high-speed sport requiring efficient neuromuscular control, lower-limb power, and flexibility. These physical demands predispose players to functional asymmetries and musculoskeletal pain. While Functional Movement Screening (FMS), hop performance, flexibility, and pain have been studied individually in athletic populations, their interrelationship remains underexplored in collegiate badminton players.
To investigate the correlations between selected FMS scores, hop distance, hamstring flexibility, and pain levels in collegiate badminton players during an indoor sports event.
A prospective observational study was conducted among collegiate badminton players. Movement quality was assessed using Deep Squat and Rotary Stability subtests from the Functional Movement Screen. Hop performance was evaluated through single-leg hop for distance on both dominant and non-dominant limbs. Flexibility was assessed using the Sit and Reach test at three intervals: pre-participation, post-participation, and 15 days post-event. Pain was recorded using the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) at the same intervals. Pearson correlation and descriptive statistics were computed.
Moderate positive correlations were observed between Deep Squat and Rotary Stability scores with hop distance on the dominant limb (r = 0.36–0.39, p < 0.05), whereas weaker positive relationships were found on the non-dominant side. Sit and Reach scores showed significant inverse correlations with pain post-event (r = –0.31, p < 0.05) and at 15-day follow-up (r = –0.48, p < 0.05). Flexibility improved significantly from pre-event to post-event (p < 0.05) but showed no further change by 15 days (p > 0.05). VRS pain scores decreased significantly across all time points, with the greatest reduction observed at 15 days (p < 0.001).
Higher functional movement quality and flexibility are associated with better hop performance and reduced pain in collegiate badminton players. FMS subtests and sit-and-reach testing serve as valuable, low-cost screening tools for functional readiness and pain risk during high-intensity competition. Incorporating these assessments into regular athlete monitoring protocols may enhance performance outcomes and support injury prevention strategies