Movement quality as a core determinant of gymnastics skill proficiency in adolescents

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.119288

Keywords:

FMS test, floor gymnastics, functional movement, skill performance

Abstract

Introduction: Existing evidence on the relationship between functional movement quality and technical performance in adolescent gymnasts remains limited, particularly within school-based contexts. While FMS is commonly used as a measure of functional movement quality and the risks of injuries, the relationship between FMS and gymnastics performance has not yet been established.

Objective: The study investigates the relationship between Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores and performance in floor exercise among adolescent male students Jenin City.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study using a simple random sample of 200 subjects was conducted. The data were gathered using the FMS test and the evaluation of floor exercise skills. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression analyses were performed.

Results: The average total FMS score was 15.45 ± 2.38, which accounted for 73.57%, indicating a satisfactory movement quality level and a lower risk of injury. Scores for floor exercise performance varied between 6.30 and 6.96. The Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a very strong positive correlation between FMS and performance variables (r = 0.78–0.87). Results from regression analysis demonstrated the predictive value of FMS for performance indicators, accounting for 61.2% to 75.4% of the variation.

Discussion: From the perspective of motor control theory, this indicates that movement quality factors such as stability, balance, and mobility are essential components of gymnastics performance.

Conclusions: This research provides insights into how schools should incorporate the use of the Functional Movement Screen in their training programs.

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Published

27-05-2026

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Turkman, M., Hethnawi, M., Qady, A., Abohalawa, M., Nassar, A., Omar, M., AbuEid, S., & Ben Abderrahman, A. (2026). Movement quality as a core determinant of gymnastics skill proficiency in adolescents. Retos, 80, 993-1007. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.119288