Functional Movement Screen Summary

Reason for the screening:  The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a tool to get a picture of the foundational movement patterns of the athletes or individuals wishing to begin a fitness routine.  Having the ability to go through a full range of movement and the stability to control that movement is the foundation upon which athletic performance is established.  This is not an assessment of athleticism, but instead the foundation upon which athleticism is built.  Often great athletes have poor movement patterns, and their bodies have found a way to perform at a high level sacrificing quality of movement for quantity of movement.  If an athlete continues to operate at a high level of performance, while continuing to compensate for their lack of mobility or stability, they are at an increased risk for injury.  If these poor movement patterns are recognized and addressed, there is potential for decreased risk of injury.  They also may experience increased performance, as the body is now able to move more freely without restrictions inhibiting and without power being lost due to inadequate stabilization. 

Explanation of the scoring:  The test involves 7 different movement patterns.  Each movement is graded from 0 to 3.  A zero is given if any pain is present during the movement.  A score of 1 is given if the athlete can not complete the task.  A score of 2 is given if the athlete is able to complete the task with modification or with signs of restriction or instability.  A score of 3 is given if the athlete is able to complete the task according to the test’s criteria.  A total of 21 is the highest score possible.

How to interpret the scoring: It is highly unlikely anyone will achieve a perfect 21.  The following is what is considered a good (passing) score on the screen:

• Score of 15 or greater
• No imbalances in scoring when comparing Left vs. Right
• No scores of 1
• No pain with the test

What to do with the data:

• If any pain arises during the test, the athlete should be evaluated further to determine the cause of it, and a rehab plan should be established.
• Each athlete should work on addressing their “weakest link”.  Any scores of 1 or imbalance left to right should be addressed first and considered the weakest link.  Corrective exercises can be given to help address the weakest link.
• Any common issues within the team or position can be addresses by implementing corrective exercises during every practice, or in breakout sessions with the players.
• A goal should be to get every player up to a passing score as described above.

Call to schedule your team's screening or individual screening.

Individual Screening: $80

Call for team/group rates

(714) 902-9349
info@sportschange.com

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