Emergency Medical Technicians with Impaired Functional Movement Patterns have Poorer Dynamic Balance and Muscle Flexibility: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The purpose of this study was to examine functional movement patterns and physical functions, including strength, flexibility, balance, and agility in emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and to explore their associations. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 91 EMTs from the Bureau of Fire in Tainan, Taiwan. Functional movement patterns were assessed using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™). Muscle strength and flexibility of the upper and lower extremities and core stability were assessed using a hand-held dynamometer and clinical tests. The dynamic balance ability of each leg was assessed using the Y balance test, and agility was assessed using the agility T-test. Results The average FMS™ score for all EMTs was 14.1, and 44 participants (48%) were classified as the higher-scoring group (FMS™ score higher than 14), and 47 (52%) were the lower-scoring group (FMS™ score 14 or less). The lower-scoring group exhibited significantly poorer fundamental movement patterns, reduced lower body flexibility, and impaired dynamic balance compared to the higher-scoring group. No differences were observed in muscle strength for the upper and lower extremities, core stability, shoulder mobility, and agility. Conclusion The current results indicate that EMTs present with impaired functional movement patterns, with lower FMS™ performance associated with limited lower body mobility and reduced dynamic balance ability. These findings support the need for intervention strategies targeting movement quality to preserve occupational health in those EMTs.