621 - Comparing Longitudinal Functional Movement Screening Scores During and Out of Training in Recreational Marathon Runners: A Prospective Pilot Study

Objectives: Functional Movement Screening (FMS) is a standardized tool used to identify asymmetries and dysfunctional movement patterns through seven tests: deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability. Each test is scored 0–3, with a total score < 14 linked to increased injury risk. Previous research has shown that neuromuscular and resistance training consistently improved FMS scores.
To our knowledge, no study that has collected longitudinal FMS score data at 3 time points over the time course of >1 year. This study aims to evaluate longitudinal changes in FMS scores across three time points over more than one year in recreational marathon runners, comparing scores during and outside of marathon training cycles.

Design: 5 recreational runners completed three in-person FMS assessments: at the start of a marathon training block, end of the same training block, and the start of a new training block ( >6 months after end of previous training). During training, runners were encouraged to perform strength and mobility exercises targeting FMS deficits. No specific guidance was given during off-training periods.

Results: The average change in composite FMS score during marathon training was +3.5 ± 3.08, compared to -1.8 ± 2.17 outside of training (t(4) = 2.85, p = .02). The Deep Squat component showed the most significant difference, improving by +0.8 ± 0.84 during training and declining by -0.8 ± 0.4 outside of training (t(4) = 3.77, p < .01).

Conclusions: FMS scores improved in recreational runners during marathon training and declined when not training. The Deep Squat showed the most notable variation of component scores. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining strength and mobility exercises consistently, even outside of formal training periods.