The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and its subsequent iteration, the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), were developed to assist healthcare professionals in screening individuals for injury risk and identifying dysfunctional or performance-limiting movement patterns. Originally introduced as a manual for screening athletes, the FMS product line expanded to include equipment, certifications, seminars, books, and videos.
The FMS serves as a tool to pinpoint asymmetries leading to functional movement deficiencies. It targets seven fundamental movement patterns, designed to reveal imbalances in mobility and stability. By placing individuals in extreme positions, the FMS detects weaknesses and imbalances that may indicate insufficient mobility and motor control. Following FMS assessment, a corrective exercise program is tailored to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
The seven movement patterns, each scored from 0 to 3 points, form a cumulative score ranging from 0 to 21 points:
- Deep Squat
- Hurdle Step
- In-line Lunge
- Active Straight-leg Raise
- Trunk Stability Push-up
- Rotary Stability
- Shoulder Mobility
Intended for various populations, the FMS identifies individuals with functional movement deficits, indicating an elevated injury risk. Its use spans from young, active individuals to elite athletes, military personnel, and firefighters. Lower FMS scores correlate with increased BMI, age, and decreased activity level.
A cut-off score of <=14 on the FMS is established, with scores below indicating a higher likelihood of injury. However, research on the FMS’s applicability across different populations and its efficacy in predicting injury risk remains inconclusive.
Reliability studies affirm the FMS’s consistency, even among novice raters. Validity concerns persist, with some studies questioning its ability to predict injuries effectively. While preliminary research on NFL players suggests a positive likelihood ratio for time-loss injuries among those scoring <=14, debates on the FMS’s overall validity continue.
Differentiating from the SFMA, the FMS is a screening tool focused on identifying imbalances during functional movements, not intended for diagnosis. The SFMA, on the other hand, serves a diagnostic role, pinpointing musculoskeletal dysfunction in individuals experiencing pain. Despite ongoing debates on FMS validity, it remains a widely used tool in the field of movement assessment.
