What is a Functional Movement Screen?

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS)  is a great tool to use to determine physical strength or mobility deficits. Knowing the problems means we can fix the problems, and this prevents injury. (Cook, 2014) This screen can also be used over time to show improvements. It focuses on muscular and joint health and is great at highlighting asymmetries in the body.

When you are assessed in a FMS, you will perform 7 key movements and be scored on how well you can perform them, with good mechanics and form, or if you experience any pain.

The 7 Key Movement Patterns It Evaluates:

1. Deep Squat – tests mobility and stability of the hips, knees, and ankles
2. Hurdle Step – challenges the body’s step and stride mechanics, as well as stability and control of hips, knees, and ankles
3. Inline Lunge – Split squat stance, challenging balance and spine stabilization
4. Shoulder Mobility – measures upper body flexibility, especially in the shoulders and upper spine
5. Active Straight Leg Raise – tests core control and pelvic stability while lifting one leg.
6. Trunk Stability Push up – observes how well the core can stabilize when there is upper body movement
7. Rotary Stability – incorporates movements in the shoulder, hip, and knee, and tests how the core can transfer weight and energy

Scores are given for the Functional Movement Screen from 0-3: 

0 – pain during any part of the movement 

1 – the individual cannot perform the movement even with compensations 

2 – the individual performs the movement using compensation and poor mechanics 

3 – the individual can perform the movement without any compensations

Many of the movements are bilateral, meaning they happen on both sides of the body. These movements will be graded separately on each side. The total sum of scores will range from 0-21 points, and any individual with a score of less than a 14 has a higher chance of sustaining an injury, and pain during any movement is also a strong indicator of high risk of injury. 

Corrective exercises can be given to treat problem areas that were revealed in the FMS.