Functional Movement Screen

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An update on recent Functional Movement Screen research from this year.  Nothing profound but some interesting correlations between FMS scores and BMI, along with new information on interrater reliability.  (For a look at previous FMS research discussion, please go HERE)

Movement screening has become a hot topic in the training world.  At best, movement screening can triage a situation upon contact with an athlete/client/patient.  At worst, it’s a boutique service from mediocre trainers and coaches to sell “cool” looking new exercises along with spa treatments and smoothies.  Sometimes people put too much faith in screens; other times not enough.  Although we often dig into screening intricacies, let’s explore the basics of what a screen really is. 

To the best of my knowledge, there were six major studies published in 2011 on the Functional Movement Screen.   Although there are many qualitative justifications to justify having the FMS in the toolbox, it is important to respect the evidence in the field, whether it comes via formal research or is the product of anecdotal coaching observation.  It may surprise the mass athletic consumer, but what is popular at the moment is not necessarily what is effective.  

Previous research on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) has looked at NFL players, high school football players, firefighters, U.S.Air Force Pararescue Indoc recruits, and U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidates.  Until recently no one had formally studied the FMS specifically in a female population.  In a 2010 study published in the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, a team of researchers examined a sample of 38 intercollegiate female athletes in soccer, basketball, and volleyball. 

Selected findings

“Most Marines have training methods that are simply inappropriate, archaic or a bit of both,” he said. “That’s really an important thing for us to change. When you’re young and resilient, you can do a lot of things you may not be able to do as you grow, and it’s not always an age thing, it’s kind of a mileage thing” -Dr. Charlie Weingroff, DPT, Lead Physical Therapist Marine Corps Special Operations Command