You have heard about the FMS, or Functional Movement Screen, but what purpose does it serve? Why is it good for us to be screened using the FMS? What can it teach us about our bodies? Here is what the seven assessments of the FMS can teach us.
1. The Overhead Squat Assessment
- Looks for tightness in hips
- Shows preliminary symptoms of shoulder issues
- Analyzes lower back flexibility and mobility
- Magnifies issues with squat pattern
2. The Hurdle Step Assessment
- Tests your ability to balance on one foot
- Checks the anti-rotational ability of your core
- Examines Hip Abduction
- Challenges sensory perception
3. The In-Line Lunge Assessment
- Evaluates hip mobility
- Tests flexibility in the side muscles of the legs
- Demonstrates ability to maintain a rigid lumbar spine despite movement
- Requires unilateral glute activation in order to stand from a kneeling position
4. The Shoulder Mobility Assessment
- Singles out shoulder asymmetries and their source
- Precursory movement to overhead pressing (must score equally in order to press safely)
- Alerts you of shoulder dysfunction
5. The Active Straight Leg Raise Assessment
- Tests hamstring flexibility
- Assesses core control
- Shows posterior versus anterior inequality, if present
- Reveals asymmetry between each leg if present
6. The Trunk Stability Pushup Assessment
- Reveals any weakness in shoulder girdle or shoulder blades
