Vol 17, Issue 7

The Effects of Torso-Borne Loads on Functional Movement Patterns

October 1, 2024 - By 

Authors

Kathryn S. Bell, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Jasmine D. Brooks, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Kara N. Radzak, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Sean W. Mulvenon, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Brian K. Schilling, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
International Journal of Exercise Science 17(7): 975-984, 2024. 
DOI: 10.70252/HTJH7644

Abstract

Functional movement patterns are an important aspect of everyday life, and a growing area of interest for determining the risk of injury and performance ability. Police, military, and fire personnel often carry torso-borne loads that increase the demands on the body while performing occupational tasks. The purpose of this study was to compare movement screen results in both a loaded and unloaded condition to identify potential effects that torso-borne body armor load carriage may have on tactical performance. This provided objective data on the effects that external loads may have on functional movement patterns. Twenty-four physically active participants (11 males, 13 females) volunteered and completed the Fusionetics™ Movement Efficiency Test (FMET) in two conditions: loaded (wearing a 13.5 kg tactical vest) and unloaded, in a counterbalanced order. Participants were video recorded performing these movements and scored later. The overall scores, on a scale of 0 to 100, showed a large, statistically significant decline in functional movement pattern quality from the unloaded to the loaded condition (12.6±7.3 points, p<.001, d=1.8). In the subscales, statistically significant declines (p<.001) were seen in the 2-leg squat (d=0.8), push-ups (d=1.1), shoulder movements (d=2.1), and trunk movements (d=0.9). There was no significant effect of load on the cervical movements or 1-leg squat. Overall, torso-borne body armor loading decreased functional movement pattern quality, suggesting the potential benefit of performing loaded movement screens on tactical athletes.

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