FMS Screening (Functional Movement Screen)
Battery of 7 standardized tests evaluating fundamental movement quality to identify asymmetries, mobility limitations and injury risks in athletes.
Presentation
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a movement evaluation system developed by Gray Cook and Lee Burton in the 1990s. It comprises 7 fundamental movement tests scored 0-3, for a total score out of 21. FMS identifies mobility limitations, stability deficits, left/right asymmetries and motor compensations predisposing to injury.
The 7 Tests
- Deep Squat: bilateral hip, knee and ankle mobility
- Hurdle Step: unilateral stability and hip mobility
- In-Line Lunge: deceleration and limb asymmetries
- Shoulder Mobility: bilateral glenohumeral and scapular mobility
- Active Straight-Leg Raise: hamstring flexibility and pelvic stability
- Trunk Stability Push-Up: trunk stability in symmetrical movement
- Rotary Stability: multi-plane trunk and pelvic stability
Scoring
Score < 14/21 is associated with significantly increased injury risk. Asymmetries (left/right difference > 1 point) are also an independent risk factor.
Medical Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment prescription. If in doubt, always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional. The techniques described do not replace conventional medical treatment.