The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a simple movement assessment of 7 functional tasks and 3 clearing tests. 

 

The screen is designed to assess movement patterns as a whole and identify movement dysfunction or asymmetry. 

 

Each test is scored 0,1,2 or 3 with 3 being the best.

• If you can complete the task with no observable compensations you receive a 3.

• If you can complete the task with some compensation or modification you receive a 2.

• If you are unable to complete the task you receive a 1. If pain is experienced on any test or in any of the clearing tests you receive a 0 for that specific test.

 

A perfect score is 21, which means you're able to do relatively anything you like to explore or improve your fitness, with a low likelihood of injury.

 

If you score mainly 2s you have room to improve but this is also safe to do most movements expected of you in a standard gym environment or sports conditioning program.

 

If you score 1s there are many tasks that have the potential to do more harm than good, and you should spend time working to improve all scores to at least a 2.

 

0s mean you need further assessment to determine the source of the pain.