6 Insights from Functional Movement Assessments (Therapists)

Functional Movement Screening for Injury Risk AssessmentIn fitness and sports, injury prevention is crucial. Athletes and enthusiasts often push their limits to achieve goals. Without assessing their physical capabilities, they risk serious injuries that may sideline them. Functional Movement Screening (FMS) effectively assesses injury risk. This tool identifies movement deficiencies and asymmetries, helping trainers and athletes address issues before injuries occur.

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What is Functional Movement Screening?

Functional Movement Screening evaluates movement patterns systematically. Physical therapists and fitness professionals developed FMS, which includes tests assessing mobility, stability, and movement quality. The goal is to identify weaknesses or limitations that could lead to injury. By pinpointing these areas, trainers can create tailored programs to enhance performance and reduce injury risk.

The Components of FMS

FMS includes seven fundamental movement patterns, each targeting different physical abilities. These patterns assess how well individuals perform basic functional movements critical for athletic performance. For example, the deep squat test evaluates lower body strength and flexibility. The hurdle step assesses coordination and balance. Each test scores movements from 0 to 3, with lower scores indicating higher injury risk. This scoring system clearly identifies areas needing improvement.

Key Tests in FMS

1. **Deep Squat:** Tests the body’s ability to squat deeply, measuring flexibility, balance, and strength through coordinated mobility.2. **Hurdle Step:** Assesses the ability to step over an obstacle while maintaining balance, highlighting lower body coordination and stability.3. **Inline Lunge:** Evaluates balance during a forward lunge, focusing on hip mobility and stability in the lower body and core.4. **Shoulder Mobility:** Assesses the shoulder and upper back’s range of motion, crucial for various athletic movements.5. **Active Straight Leg Raise:** Evaluates hamstring flexibility and pelvic stabilization during leg movement.6. **Trunk Stability Push-Up:** Assesses upper body strength and core stability, highlighting trunk stability during push-ups.7. **Rotary Stability:** Evaluates alignment and stability while performing diagonal movements common in many sports.

How Does FMS Work?

FMS starts with a thorough assessment of an individual’s movement patterns. A certified FMS provider conducts tests designed to evaluate specific capabilities. After completing the tests, providers tally the scores and generate a comprehensive report. This report highlights weaknesses or limitations identified during the assessment.

Conclusion

FMS offers valuable insights into movement patterns, helping athletes and trainers prevent injuries and enhance performance.

FAQ

What is Functional Movement Screening?

Functional Movement Screening (FMS) is a systematic evaluation of movement patterns developed by physical therapists and fitness professionals. It aims to identify weaknesses or limitations that could lead to injury by assessing mobility, stability, and movement quality. This information allows trainers to create tailored programs that enhance performance and reduce injury risk.

What are the key components of FMS?

FMS includes seven fundamental movement patterns that evaluate essential physical abilities for athletic performance. Tests such as the deep squat and hurdle step assess flexibility, strength, coordination, and balance. Each test is scored from 0 to 3, with lower scores indicating a higher risk of injury, thereby identifying areas needing improvement.

How is FMS conducted?

The FMS process begins with a thorough assessment of an individual’s movement patterns by a certified FMS provider. After performing the tests, the provider tallies the scores and generates a comprehensive report that highlights any weaknesses or limitations observed during the assessment. This report serves as a basis for developing an effective intervention strategy.