Comparison of Functional Movement and Balance Function Between Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets, Yoga Practitioners, and Healthy Non- to Lightly-Active Peers

Author

Eric B. Bunnell, University of South AlabamaFollow

Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Committee Chair

Ashley, G. Flagge, Ph.D.

Abstract

Army soldiers participate in functional fitness training designed to help them improve on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Prior research suggests certain physical training programs may improve vestibular and balance function, but other studies conclude that physical training only makes the individual movements practiced better and does not transfer into better functional movement ability. Also, it has been suggested that better functional movement ability may in turn lead to better balance function. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate balance function and functional movement ability in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets undergoing ACFT training and individuals who practice yoga. A total of 36 young, healthy adults (18-32 years) were divided into three groups of 12: a functional training group (6 male, 6 female), a yoga training group (12 female), and a control group (1 male, 11 female). Participants completed two vestibular/balance and functional movement ability assessments, including the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) and the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Results showed no significant group or gender differences for the mCTSIB, but did for the FMS. FMS results revealed the yoga group had significantly higher scores for the deep squat compared to the controls and significantly higher scores for shoulder mobility compared to the functional group. Findings and trends from both assessments suggest that regular participation in functional fitness training to increase lower body and core strength may help improve postural sway and that regular participation in yoga may help improve dynamic balance more than living a less-active lifestyle or participating in functional training alone. Implications, recommendations, and further research of physical training programs like the ACFT and yoga are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Bunnell, Eric B., "Comparison of Functional Movement and Balance Function Between Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets, Yoga Practitioners, and Healthy Non- to Lightly-Active Peers" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 214.
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/theses_diss/214