Core strength: A new model for injury prediction and prevention

A battery of FMS tests were performed on 433 firefighters. We analyzed the correlation between FMS performance and injuries and other selected parameters. An intervention to improve flexibility and strength in trunk stabilizer or core muscle groups through a training program was evaluated.The intervention reduced lost time due to injuries by 62% and the number of injuries by 42% over a twelve month period as compared to a historical control group.These findings suggest that core strength and functional movement enhancement programs to prevent injuries in workers whose work involves awkward positions is warranted.The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) has identified traumatic injury and intervention effectiveness as two of its priority research areas. Injuries are the leading cause of mortality and loss of potential years of life for working individuals. This study focused on a unique method of injury prediction and prevention in high risk workers using a functional movement screen and core strength intervention [1].Many workers must deal with physically demanding tasks that involve awkward positions and less than optimal ergonomics. Fire fighting is a particularly hazardous profession with exposure to a host of chemical, biologic, and physical hazards including musculoskeletal trauma. Firefighters perform physically demanding tasks such as forcible entry and rescues that are injury prone because of maneuvers that compromise trunk stability and ergonomically hazardous conditions Because of the nature of fire fighting, these physical conditions are often difficult to control.There are over one million fire fighters in the United States [2]. and the injury rates of firefighters are among the highest in all occupations [3]. Last year in the U.S. firefighters sustained 88, 500 injuries while on duty [4]. Forty four percent of all U.S. firefighters have suffered from sprains and strains while on duty [5].It is important for firefighters to be fit because they wo