Functional Movement Screen (FMS)

What is a Functional Movement Screen?

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is an excellent injury prevention and performance tool for athletes or anyone beginning a workout routine. A person's body functions optimally when its musculoskeletal system is in a state of balance. When a person's musculoskeletal system is imbalanced, performance levels are affected and the body is more susceptible to injury. For example, core weakness is known to be related to back problems.

Made up of seven screens, the FMS is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns that are essential to normal function, identifying functional limitations and asymmetries that reduce the effects of functional training and physical conditioning.

The FMS can be applied at any fitness level, identifying specific corrective exercises based on individual FMS scores. It creates a functional baseline to track progress and provides a means to measure performance.

The Seven Screens Include:

1. Deep Squat

2. Hurdle Step

3. Inline Lunge

4. Shoulder Mobility

5. Active Straight Leg Raise

6. Truck Stability Push-Up

7. Rotational Stability

The seven screens of the FMS evaluate a person's functional movements and provide an objective score based on this evaluation. The highest possible score is 3 for each of the seven screens, so a perfect score would be 21. Recent research has shown that if a person scores below a 14 on the FMS, there is an increased risk of injury (studies completed on NFL football players and firefighters)

What your FMS Score Means

If you score higher than 14 but have imbalances, corrective exercises to address your asymmetries will be recommended.

If you score lower than 14, an improvement program will likely be recommended. Depending on the outcome of the screening, an athlete may be advised to see a physical therapist for further evaluation or treatment.

If you experience pain during any of the seven screens, it indicates a broader issue. You will likely be referred to a physical therapist and/or physician.

The FMS System has been involved with the following organizations:

Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Brigham Young University, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Indians, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Mayo Clinic, Montreal Canadians, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Orange County Fire Department, San Francisco 49ers, Secret Services, Stanford University, Texas A&M University Recreational Sports, Toronto Blue Jays, United States Government Organizations, University of Georgia, United States Military, University of Maryland, University of Texas, University of Wisconsin

What others are saying about the FMS:

"We now use this program with every player as a pretest and evaluation tool before we even begin to train them. This individualizes our training as we can now focus more on improving weaknesses, imbalances and asymmetries in an effort to improve functional movement patterns. It's the foundation of our program. Everything we do builds off of it. We wouldn't think of not using this program." -Jon Torine, Head Strength Coach, Indianapolis Colts

Functional Movement Screens for Groups.

If you are part of an athletic team, a triathlon training group, running group, or any other group interested in our FMS Program, please call our office at (301) 990-9599 to plan a group screening time block.

To learn more, visit the official Functional Movement Screen website.