Correlation of FMS and LESS scores in predicting lower limb injury risk among university-level male players

Abstract

To explore the relationship between Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) scores in predicting lower limb injury risk among university-level male athletes. This study specifically focused on five lower limb–dominant components of the FMS, excluding push-up and shoulder mobility assessments, to align with the needs of lower limb–dominant athletes. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Sports Science Department, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Forty-eight physically active male university athletes (aged 18–25 years) were selected through well-defined inclusion criteria, all of whom were regularly physically active. FMS scores from five lower limb–dominant components and LESS total scores were analyzed using Pearson correlation to understand their relationship. The analysis showed a significant moderate negative correlation (r = -0.363, 95% CI [-0.512, -0.168], p = 0.01), indicating that better lower limb movement quality (higher FMS scores) correlates with safer landing mechanics (lower LESS scores). The combined use of five lower limb–dominant FMS components and LESS assessment can provide a clearer picture of lower limb injury risk in university-level male players. The study highlights how these tools can be adapted for diverse athletic populations focusing on lower limb functionality.