# Do Functional Movement Screens Predict Body Composition Changes after Resistance Training?

## TL;DR

This study explores whether functional movement screens (FMS) can predict body composition changes in breast cancer patients after resistance training.

## Contribution

The study is the first to assess the FMS in individuals with breast cancer for exercise prescription.

## Key findings

- Baseline FMS scores correlated with anthropometric markers in breast cancer patients.
- Baseline FMS scores did not predict changes in anthropometric markers after training.
- FMS can still be used as a preparticipation tool for exercise regimens in breast cancer patients.

## Abstract

Although the function movement screen (FMS) has been widely used in the general
population, no study to date has used the FMS as a preparticipation screen for
individuals with breast cancer (BC) engaging in an exercise regimen. Even though
individuals with BC are anthropometrically similar to individuals without
cancer, the lack of studies assessing the FMS in individuals with BC may
potentially hinder exercise prescription. Therefore, we aim to examine the
relationships of the FMS score to anthropometric biomarkers in individuals with
BC before undergoing an exercise regimen. One-hundred and twelve women with BC
underwent a thrice-weekly three-month dose-escalated exercise regimen utilizing
multi-joint compound movements and linear progression balanced with resistance
training volume to elicit hypertrophy. FMS score and anthropometric markers were
assessed pre- and post-intervention. With significance set at p≤0.05, baseline
FMS scores correlated significantly with all anthropometric markers, and was
similar to previous studies published in non-cancer populations. However,
baseline FMS scores were not associated with changes in anthropometric markers,
from pre- to post-intervention. While the baseline FMS score was not associated
with changes in anthropometric markers, the similar correlation found in our
study compared to previous studies suggest that the FMS can be used as a
preparticipation in individuals with BC to help guide the exercise regimen.
Future studies designed to elicit weight loss in individuals with BC should
assess whether the baseline FMS score is predictive of anthropometric
changes.