Purpose:
Aging is a multidimensional concept that plays a decisive role in functional independence and quality of life of the elderly by maintaining the quality of functional movements, balance, and appropriate walking speed. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the functional movement screening test with walking speed and balance in active elderly.
Methods:
This research was a descriptive-correlational study with an applied orientation and was conducted as a cross-sectional investigation. The statistical population consisted of 123 active elderly individuals from Mellat Park in Mashhad, who, based on self-report, had engaged in physical activity at least three times a week during the past six months. The Fullerton balance test, walking speed test, and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) were used to assess the study variables. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to examine the normality of the data. Independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis were employed to test the hypotheses.
Results:
There is a negative and significant relationship between the screening test and the walking speed of the elderly. The highest relationship between obstacle walking and cognitive dual walking is -0.788 and the lowest relationship between functional core stability push up and motor dual walking is 0.019. Also; There is a positive and significant relationship between the screening test and the balance of the elderly. The highest relationship between rotational stability and balance is 0.817 and the lowest relationship between shoulder range of motion and balance is 0.237.
Conclusion:
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) can be considered az effective tool for predicting important functional indicators such as balance and walking speed in active older adults. These findings may be valuable for rehabilitation planning, falling prevention, and promoting physical health in the elderly.