Relationship Between the Gymnastics Functional Measurement Tool Score and the Incidence of Injuries in Young Male Gymnasts

Background and Aims The gymnastics functional measurement tool (GFMT) is comprised of 10 tests that evaluate the fitness level of gymnasts. Its scoring system is standardized and approved at different competitive levels. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the GFMT scores and the incidence of injuries in young male gymnasts. Methods This is an analytical/correlational field study and 40 male gymnasts aged 8-18 from Guilan and Qazvin provinces in Iran (Mean age: 12.45±2.60 years, height: 1.48±0.18 m, weight: 40.90±13.71 kg, and sports activity history: 5.75±2.41 years) who were selected using a convenience sampling method. Ten GFMT tests were first performed for the gymnasts, and then the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire was used to record sports injuries during training and competitions for six months in a monthly basis. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS v.23 software using the Eta correlation coefficient at a significance level equal to or less than 0.05. Results The results of the correlation tests showed a significant negative relationship between the GFMT scores and the incidence of sports injuries in the upper limbs of gymnasts (P=0.039), but there was no significant relationship in the lower limbs (P=0.616). and trunk (P=0.938). Conclusion There may be a relationship between the GFMT scores and the incidence of sports injuries in the upper limbs of young male gymnasts. The GFMT scores can help the coaches and therapists in prevention of injuries in the upper limbs of male gymnasts.