Functional movement screening: the use of fundamental movements as an assessment of function - part 1

To prepare an athlete for the wide variety of activities needed to participate in or return to their sport, the analysis of fundamental movements should be incorporated into screening in order to determine who possesses, or lacks, the ability to perform certain essential movements. In a series of two articles, the background and rationale for the analysis of fundamental movement will be provided. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) will be described, and any evidence related to its use will be presented. Three of the seven fundamental movement patterns that comprise the FMS™ are described in detail in Part I: the Deep Squat, Hurdle Step, and In-Line Lunge. Part II of this series which will be provided in the August issue of IJSPT, will provide a detailed description of the four additional patterns that complement those presented in Part I (to complete the seven total fundamental movements): Shoulder Mobility, the Active Straight Leg Raise, the Trunk Stability Push-up, and Rotary Stability, as well as a discussion about the utility of functional movement screening, and the future of functional movement. The intent of this two part series is to present the concepts associated with screening of fundamental movements, whether it is the FMS™ system or a different system devised by another clinician. Such a functional assessment should be incorporated into pre-participation screening and return to sport testing in order to determine whether the athlete has the essential movements needed to participate in sports activities at a level of minimum competency.

Level of evidence: 5.