Functional Movement Patterns, Spinal Posture and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Elite Ice Hockey Players: A Cross Sectional Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate functional movement patterns and spinal posture of elite ice hockey players and to examine the association between spinal posture, prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and Functional Movement Screen (FMS (TM)) scores. The study included 86 elite male ice hockey players aged 18 to 38 years. Sagittal spinal curvatures were measured with a Saunders digital inclinometer, and functional movement patterns were assessed by the FMS (TM). Spinal posture of the studied ice hockey players was characterized by normal kyphosis (46%) or hyperkyphosis (41%) and decreased lumbar lordosis (54%). The mean total FMS (TM) score was 14.8. Most of the hockey players (57%) achieved a total FMS (TM) score in the range of 14-17 points, whereas 28% had a total FMS (TM) score of <14. Seventy-two percent of the studied athletes had at least one asymmetry. Significant differences between performing the movements on the right and the left sides of the body were observed in in-line lunges (p = 0.019) and shoulder mobility sub-tests (p < 0.001). The FMS (TM) sub-tests performed with the lowest success rates were rotatory stability and the hurdle step. A lower score in the rotatory stability test is related to shoulder pain. It is highly important to develop appropriate exercise programs to reduce or prevent muscle imbalances in ice hockey players.