An appraisal of the Functional Movement Screen™ grading criteria--Is the composite score sensitive to risky movement behavior?

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between the composite Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score and performers' spine and frontal plane knee motion.

DESIGN

Examined the spine and frontal plane knee motion exhibited by performers who received high (>14) and low (<14) composite FMS scores. Participants' body motions were quantified while they performed the FMS.

SETTING

Biomechanics laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Twelve men who received composite FMS scores greater than 14 were assigned to a high-scoring group. Twelve age-, height- and weight-matched men with FMS scores below 14 were assigned to a low-scoring group.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Composite FMS scores and peak lumbar spine flexion/extension, lateral bend and axial twist, and left and right frontal plane knee motion.

RESULTS

Significant differences (p < 0.05) and large effect sizes (>0.8) were noted between the high- and low-scoring groups when performing the FMS tasks; high-scorers employed less spine and frontal plane knee motion. Substantial variation was also observed amongst participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with high composite FMS scores exhibited less spine and frontal plane knee motion while performing the FMS in comparison to their low-scoring counterparts. However, because substantial variation was observed amongst performers, the FMS may not provide the specificity needed for individualized injury risk assessment and exercise prescription.