Testes funcionais na prevenção de lesões em corredores

Abstract

The increase in road running practice has been accompanied by a high incidence of injuries, creating the need for effective preventive strategies. Among these strategies, functional tests prove to be essential tools to identify imbalances, asymmetries, and deficits in mobility or stability associated with injury risk. This study aimed to analyze, through a narrative literature review, the relevance of functional tests in identifying dysfunctions and preventing injuries in runners. Five studies published between 2011 and 2024 were selected, all involving functional assessments such as hip strength tests, core stability, mobility, running technique, and the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). The results show that factors such as weakness of the hip external rotators, lumbopelvic instability, reduced mobility, and improper movement patterns are directly related to the occurrence of injuries.Although the FMS has limitations as a standalone predictive tool, specific components such as Deep Squat, Hurdle Step, and Active Straight Leg Raise have shown a significant association with injury risk. Overall, studies indicate that integrated functional assessments, combining analysis of strength, mobility, and motor control, are essential to guide individualized preventive interventions. It is concluded that functional tests are valuable tools for identifying risk factors and directing preventive training, provided they are used correctly and analyze both isolated and integrated factors, helping to reduce the incidence of injuries in road runners.