The Functional Movement Screen(FMS) is an innovative system that tests movement pattern quality, emphasized and focused on athletes. The FMS observes basic movement patterns that would normally be familiar to the coach or trainer. The Functional Movement Screen is a series of simple physical tests with a simple grading system. The FMS is not intended to diagnose orthopedic problems but rather to reveal limitations or asymmetries in healthy individuals through basic movement patterns and align them with specific outcomes.
The Functional Movement Screen provides an evaluation option that relates closely to what the athlete may actually do in training. In a sense, the tests are improved by working on variations of the skills tested. The FMS provides evaluation with tools and movement patterns that readily make sense to both the client and evaluator.
The test is comprised of seven movement patterns that require balance and mobility. They are designed to provide observable ability in basic loco motor, manipulation movement and stabilization. The tests gives the individual difficult positions where weaknesses and imbalance become noticeable if the individual lacks the required level of stability and mobility.
The Seven Tests are as follows:
- Deep Squat
- Hurdle Step
- In-line Lunge
- Active Straight-Leg Raise
- Trunk Stability Push-up
- Shoulder Mobility
- Rotary Stability
