functional movement screen

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

a standardised battery of seven movement tests designed to identify asymmetries, limitations, and pain in fundamental movement patterns that may predispose athletes to injury or reduce performance; developed by physiotherapist Gray Cook in the 1990s, the FMS assesses deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability; athletes scoring below a threshold on any test are targeted for corrective exercise prior to loading; the FMS is widely used in professional sport, military fitness screening, and rehabilitation settings