FMS In-line Lunge Performance Predictor: Balance & ROM

Abstract

This study examined how balance and joint mobility relate to movement quality in college-aged students. The purpose was to determine which of these factors best predicts performance on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in-line lunge which is a test used to assess stability, control, and coordination. Participants, ages 18–22, from the College of Coastal Georgia completed the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) to assess balance and goniometer measurements to evaluate lower-extremity range of motion (ROM) at the hips, knees, and ankles. Movement quality was scored on a 0–3 scale using the FMS in-line lunge. Results supported the hypothesis: participants with fewer BESS errors and greater joint ROM achieved higher in-line lunge scores. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlations, and ordinal logistic regression, showed that lower-extremity balance had the strongest predictive value for lunge performance. These findings emphasize the importance of balance and mobility in overall movement quality. Understanding how these factors influence functional performance can help students, trainers, and healthcare professionals design effective training and rehabilitation programs to enhance stability, reduce injury risk, and promote better movement patterns in active young adults.