The relationship between functional movement analysis and speed, agility, coordination and LESS test results in female volleyball players

The Relationship Between Functional Movement Analysis and Results of Speed, Agility, Coordination, and LESS in Volleyball Players Effective assessment in athletes is the first stage of athletic performance and rehabilitation. Based on the assessment results, the athlete's performance requirements and injury risk, as well as the requirements to prevent these, are identified. The main aim of this study is to objectively reveal the relationship between functional movement analysis, speed, agility, coordination, and LESS assessments in volleyball players. The study included 38 female volleyball players aged between 16 and 30. Name-surname, age, height, weight, body mass index, dominant hand and foot information were collected using a participant evaluation form. Functional movement patterns were assessed using Functional Movement Analysis, which consists of 7 subcomponents. Speed, agility, coordination, and jump height were evaluated using the SpeedCourt system. Lower extremity injury risk was assessed using the Landing Error Scoring System, consisting of 17 questions. A moderate negative correlation was found between SpeedCourt contact frequency scores and BMI values (r=-0.568, p<0.001), as well as a weak positive correlation between SpeedCourt contact frequency scores and trunk stability push-up scores (r=0.366, p<0.05). Similarly, a moderate negative correlation was observed between SpeedCourt contact frequency scores and BMI values (r=-0.570, p<0.001), along with a weak positive correlation between SpeedCourt contact frequency scores and trunk stability push-up scores (r=0.364, p<0.05). Additionally, a weak positive correlation was identified between SpeedCourt free jump scores and shoulder mobility scores (r=0.341, p<0.05) and between SpeedCourt free jump scores and active straight leg raise scores (r=0.346, p<0.05). A moderate negative correlation was found between SpeedCourt STARRUN time scores and straight forward lunge scores (r=-0.427, p<0.01), as well as a weak negative correlation between SpeedCourt STARRUN time scores and trunk stability push-up scores (r=-0.354, p<0.05). Furthermore, a moderate negative correlation was detected between SpeedCourt STARRUN time scores and total FHA scores (r=-0.406, p<0.05). However, no significant relationship was found between LESS test results and FHA or SpeedCourt outcomes, contrary to our hypothesis. Our study identified significant relationships between BMI and speed and coordination, between trunk stability push-up, a parameter of FHA, and speed and coordination, as well as between jump height and shoulder mobility and active straight leg raise, and between agility and straight forward lunge, trunk stability push-up, and total FHA score. Considering the relationship between FHA parameters and performance parameters in female volleyball players, it is recommended that FHA-focused exercise programs be included for performance enhancement. Although no relationship was found between LESS and FHA or performance parameters in our study, conducting FHA studies in light of existing literature may be beneficial for injury prevention.