I have been outspoken in my criticism of the FMS over the years; I first evaluated the FMS back when it started. My initial evaluation and opinion based on my experience and study has not changed as it has grown in popularity. It is a borderline waste of time that generates random numbers without transfer to real life situations. Stop and think, stop sheep walking and doing something because everyone else is doing it. One argument recently presented to me was that it is used at NFL Combine. And the NFL also still uses isokinetic testing. If we use the NFL as our example of a thought leader we are in bad shape (see their enlightened response to the concussion crisis).
I have heard the rationale for the selection of the FMS movements; as far as I am concerned they do not hold water. If you force the body to conform to unusual, strange, often uncomfortable positions – Is that a valid assessment? Stop and think! In assessment I need to reconcile the shapes they have to make in their sports with the shapes they can make and then determine an appropriate training program for that athlete. I want to see how the athlete can make connections and transitions not get in positions that are mentally convenient and easy to measure. By the way because it is easy to measure does not imply it is meaningful.
I am interested in injury prevention not injury prediction. The goal is to test/assess/screen the athlete to determine what they can do, not what they cannot do. The assessment must give me actionable information, a “Trainability” assessment that offers guidance as to their ability to train at an appropriate level to their physical competency. In this approach there is no need for special corrective exercises, it is all transparently incorporated into the athletes training program. To do this requires some thought; it is not a neat package that you learn in certification seminar. It demands an understanding of movement. Much of what is necessary has been around for years in the physical therapy world and in physical education. It also comes back to the fundamental concept that Testing =Training and Training=Testing, each training session is an ongoing evaluation and constant adjustments must be made. In summary I urge you to stop and think critically in regard to using the FMS, you can do better.
DAVE HAMLTON
couldn’t agree more Vern. Take time to assess daily functionality through training and athlete interaction in real life scenarios.
James Marshall
Very true, but it is an easy package and people don’t have to think afterwards.
Jay
The test is the exercise…..
Scott Gray
Great post, Vern. I have been trying to educate others that the FMS tests do not translate over to sports and function in life. Movement is three dimensional and, not to mention, there is no one way to move the human body.
Chuck
I have seen the FMS, but the question that I have for many is: what is the definition of functional mobility. I agree with many who understand the meaning of correct and style of movement. I have always believed that many of the so called new exercises do not really assist but rather, people just get good at doing those exercises. I am 60 and still learning, but continue to reference to my basic motor learning classes in physical education at UWL.
Brady
That being said….Coach, can you give us an example of an assessment that YOU use with a new athlete? Can you provide us with a better option for the FMS?
Ryan
Excellent post and criticism Vern!
Holly
Well, duh…FMS is not meant to merely predict injury; it is meant to be used as a screening tool to determine who needs intervention to prevent injury. It is systematic, typically displays a high inter- and intra-rater reliability, and uses functional positions not only common to all sports, but also daily life and basic movement patterns.
What is unusual, strange or uncomfortable about the overhead squat? The inline lunge? Quadruped (rotational stability)? Standing on one leg (hurdle step)? Active Straight Leg Raise? Seriously, it sounds like you’re reaching here. Jealous much? Promoting your own system? What’s your motivation, and do you even really know about FMS? Have you read the research or used it in your own practice?
As a Pilates teacher I honestly do not use it all the time. However, I find it very helpful when I have clients who are having recurring pain or injuries, and are engaged in other activities or sports. Having a score helps them understand that maybe they shouldn’t be squatting with 50 lbs if they can’t do a clean squat unloaded. It helps them understand that if they’re so unstable that they fall off the board in the inline lunge, maybe they need to reconsider lunging with weights. It helps them realize that if they can’t complete a hurdle step without practically falling over, maybe they need to address some other weaknesses before training for a half marathon.
It helps me identify and target exactly what movement patterns and exercises to focus on. There is a whole system of exercise prescriptions that I can then review and give as homework to my clients.
And guess what? Those who follow my instructions after FMS get better. They score better, perform better, and become pain free.
Brady
Holly, what sport requires you to squat with your arms over your head? How many times a day do you need to stand on a board and perform an inline lunge? Some of the best athletes in the world perform poorly on the FMS. Vern has been around a hell of a lot longer than the FMS and has done just fine helping his athletes reach their goals. What did coaches and trainers do before the FMS? I’m pretty sure we were doing just fine. If Lebron James scored poorly on the FMS, what would you tell him? That doing some corrective exercises for the inline lunge will help him become a better athlete? Please. We need to stop focusing so much on people’s weaknesses and get back to the goals at hand.
Gary Gray
Vern, as I have stated consistently over the years, is one of the most brilliant minds and passionate spirits in the sphere of function, training, prevention, strength and conditioning in the entire world. Another insightful blog with thoughtful follow up posts by Brady, Ryan and Chuck. This site is filled with gold.
Thanks for your ongoing sharing of the truth and the powerful strategies and techniques that emanate from the truth. Thanks for not traveling down the road of tradition and conventional thoughts but down the road of the “Functional Path”