Functional Movement Screen

As already extensively explained in our blog about clinical tests, the hypotheses derived from the medical history are analyzed through clinical reasoning and objectified using various diagnostic tests and assessments.

This is important to verify one's own approach and the therapeutic working hypothesis. But just as motivating for the patient or client to know they are on the right track and achieving the desired, aspirational progress.

This way, problems or complaints can be measured and interpreted not only subjectively but also objectively. Changes (whether improvements or deteriorations) are clearly determined, documented, and demonstrated through re-tests.

At one of our regular internal training sessions at BodyLab Osteopathy and Physiotherapy | Rehabilitation and Training in Zurich, we engaged with the Functional Movement Screen (FMS).

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS)

A relatively quick and easy way to measure active movement in terms of quality and quantity is the Functional Movement Screen (FMS).

An example of qualitative movement characteristics is movement strength. This characterizes the extent to which muscle strength is applied within a movement.

The quality or range of motion describes the optimal spatial extension of a movement. Thus, it addresses the course of a movement.

The FMS test is a battery of tests developed in the 90s for high school athletes by Gray Cook, a physiotherapist, and strength coach, alongside Lee Burton, an athletic coach. What was initially intended for athletes now serves as an objective tool for both trainers and physiotherapists.

The basic principle of FMS states that first, the quality of movement should be improved, and then the quantity can be adjusted. If the quality of movement (strength, movement strength) is not good enough, this deficit can lead to compensation in another region, which can mean more injuries.

Furthermore, the FMS gives us indications of how each person moves (quantity) and can incorporate other areas into the examination.

Procedure of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS)

The test includes seven different movements or movement sequences that demonstrate the interplay of mobility and stability.

These movements are:

1. Deep squat (Overhead Squats)

2. Hurdle step (Hurdle Step)

3. Lunge

4. Active straight leg raise

5. Shoulder mobility

6. Trunk stability push-up

7. Rotary stability

Each of these movements provides the tester or therapist with information about imbalances, muscular weaknesses, asymmetries, and limitations, which then highlight a global movement assessment of an individual.

The individual test movements can be assessed using a scoring system. The points are distributed as follows:

0 = Pain

1 = unable to perform the movement

2 = the movement can be performed but with compensation

3 = the movement can be performed completely.

If the required movement or exercise cannot be performed due to pain, it is scored with a 0, and the test is invalid or not assessable (the movements must be able to be performed pain-free).

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in Physiotherapy

When we conduct the tests on our patients or athletes at BodyLab, we pay particular attention to the movement pattern and how it is executed.

In physiotherapy, it is not primarily about points distribution but more about the entire movement pattern. It provides therapists with both objective and subjective clues as to which areas we want to test more specifically and should examine. Thus, a goal-oriented, objectively measurable therapy course can be ensured and guaranteed. Because when we work on the weak points both with exercises and manual therapy on the patient and 're-test,' we can concretely see whether imbalances, weaknesses, asymmetries, and limitations objectively improve. Additionally, whether the pain can be influenced and reduced subjectively.

It serves as a 'tool' for measuring active movements that we therapists cannot feel with our hands. This way, we as well as our clients receive objective statements and reference points on where our customers can further improve or have improved with our help.

We gladly refer to the official homepage of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), where more detailed information can be found.

If you need us, we are happy to be there for you!

Your BodyLab Team – Your specialists in rehabilitation and training

Osteopathy and Physiotherapy | Rehabilitation and Training

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Literature References

Functional Movement Screen (FMS)