The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) was created by Grey Cook and Lee Burton as part of their Functional Movement Systems in 1995. Their goal was to provide a systematic approach to evaluate movement efficiency and competency where the fitness industry was lacking. Think of the whole process like a Warrant of Fitness for your body. Originally one facility’s approach to safety and standards would greatly differ to another or maybe have no standards at all. The FMS is attempting to eliminate the doubt and create a system that a range of fitness, health and rehabilitation professionals can use to measure someones movement functionality – particularly Mobility, Stability and Pain.
The FMS consists of 7 body weight movements that are scored out of 3 for a total of 21 points. 0 meaning pain, 1 meaning inability to perform movement, 2 meaning normal movement and 3 meaning perfect movement. The screen determines symmetrical and asymmetrical issues, in which the asymmetrical issue are addressed first. The movements are as follows:
Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR)
The screen is designed for everyone. Screens in the past have fallen short due to the restrictions places around who can use them i.e Athletes or Elderly with knee pain etc. The FMS limitations are when pain or musculoskeletal issues are present. Once the FMS results are obtained, they can be assessed and addressed. The Selected Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is performed to determine the cause of pain, which breaks down into a mobility problem or a stability/motor control problem. This gives us a ground for corrective movements and exercises.
With this in mind, the following example is one that will stick with me for the rest of my career.
A client came to Pure Fitness and Performance wanting to ‘lose weight, tone up’. After the scores were in they had very poor mobility with the ASLR being their lowest score (Symmetrical 1). They had mentioned not being able to touch their toes since they were 14 (now 30+) and no matter how much they stretched their hamstrings (where they felt the pull) they would not get any closer. Using the FMS and the SMFA forward flexion breakout, we discovered that they were taking the wrong approach to fix their toe touch. The muscles weren’t tight at all, simply overactive. Their hamstrings felt the need to fire instead of loosen during a forward bend to keep them stable. We followed a corrective strategy and my client was able to touch their toes in the first session. This lead them to tears as they had spent so much time and effort trying to attempt something, but taking the wrong approach. Safe to say they are a client for life.
I have only ever had positive feedback from clients under the knowledge of FMS and SFMA. The increase in movement and motor control from the systematic “step by step” approach means that clients improve faster simply by moving better. The improved mobility leads to increased exercise efficiency, reduces the risk of injury and overall body movement functionality. I am the only trained and registered Functional Movement Specialist in the Wellington Region. I recommend you contact me for a Functional Movement Screen, to make sure you are moving as safely and efficiently as possible.
Head Trainer – Pure Fitness and Performance Ltd