The Relationship Between the FMS and Injury Risk

As the The Functional Movement Screening has become more popular, some have used this Assessment for purposes it was not intended.

It was NOT intended to:

1. By itself be a comprehensive system for injury risk
2. Determine a medical diagnosis or precisely pinpoint where the problem is
3. Be used as a direct performance metric

Eleven studies found some relationship with FMS and injury in American Professional Football, collegiate athletes, military officer candidates, US army rangers, firefighters, and male competitive runners (ages 18 – 24).  In meta-analysis completed by Dorrel et al (2015), the FMS provides adequate specificity (85%) and low sensitivity (24%). This basically means that if you have a low FMS score, you are more likely to get hurt. However, having a high FMS score does not protect you from injury.

Professionals should utilize multiple risk factors and weigh those factors when determining and managing individual injury risk. Using a multi-factorial injury risk algorithm that weights pain first and then multiple aspects of other factors such as (Injury History, Functional Movement Screen, Y Balance Test Lower Quarter) is recommended. Intervention and resources should be matched to the appropriate category.

At Reset-Wellness the FMS is one of the tools we use. We are different because of Peter’s experience as a physical therapist. Read More