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Functional Movement Screens (FMS) are essential tools used by sports medicine professionals and physical therapists to assess an athlete’s readiness to return to play after an injury. These screens help identify movement deficiencies and asymmetries that could increase the risk of re-injury.
What is a Functional Movement Screen?
The FMS is a series of seven standardized tests designed to evaluate fundamental movement patterns. Each test assesses different aspects of mobility, stability, and coordination. The goal is to ensure that an athlete can perform basic movements safely and efficiently before resuming full activity.
Key Components of the FMS
- Deep Squat
- Hurdle Step
- In-line Lunge
- Shoulder Mobility
- Active Straight-Leg Raise
- Trunk Stability Push-Up
- Rotary Stability
Each component is scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating better movement quality. An overall score helps clinicians determine if an athlete is ready to return to their sport.
Using FMS to Guide Return-to-Play Decisions
Before clearing an athlete for return to play, practitioners analyze FMS scores to identify any lingering movement issues. A score of 14 or higher out of 21 is generally considered acceptable, but this threshold can vary based on the sport and individual circumstances. Persistent deficits may require targeted rehabilitation before full return.
Benefits of Using FMS
- Reduces risk of re-injury
- Enhances movement efficiency
- Provides objective data for decision-making
- Helps tailor rehabilitation programs
Incorporating FMS into the return-to-play protocol ensures a comprehensive assessment of an athlete’s readiness, promoting safer and more effective recoveries.