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.
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