Pre-participation screening: the use of fundamental movements as an assessment of function - part 2.

Abstract

Part I of this two-part series (presented in the May issue of NAJSPT) provided the background, rationale, and a complete reference list for the use of fundamental movements as an assessment of function during pre-participation screening. In addition, Part I introduced one such evaluation tool that attempts to assess the fundamental movement patterns of an individual, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS)(™), and described three of the seven fundamental movement patterns that comprise the FMS(™).Part II of this series provides a brief review of the analysis of fundamental movement as an assessment of function. In addition, four additional fundamental tests of the FMS(™), which complement those described in Part I, will be presented (to complete the total of seven fundamental tests): shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability. These four patterns are described in detail, a grading system from 0-III is defined for each pattern, and the clinical implications for receiving a grade less than a perfect III are proposed.By reading Part I and Part II, it is hoped that the clinician will recognize the need for the assessment of fundamental movements, critique current and develop new methods of functional assessment, and begin to provide evidence related to the assessment of fundamental movements and the ability to predict and reduce injury. By using such a screening system, the void between pre-participation screening and performance tests will begin to close.