The Functional Movement Screen has been used to rate movement patterns and determine fitness since 1998.

But does it actually work?

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They were likely taking aFunctional Movement Screen(FMS) test.

woman sweating in the gym

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The test is intended to help coaches and trainers build out better-informed strength and conditioning programs.

We can then retest to see the improvements and see what is or isnt working.

But does the FMS actually provide reliable information?Unfortunately, the research doesnt quite back up the claims.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

The research on whether it can accurately forecast athletic performance is more scant, but the same trend emerges.

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Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

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So, what should the FMS be used for?

Are there more useful tests?

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

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There are other tests out there that might be more predictive than the FMS.

For instance, thestar excursion balance test/Y balance testis used to measure side-to-side difference in standing reach.

TheLanding Error Scoring Systemtest might also be useful.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Trainers can also use force plates to measure a number of different attributes during movements like jumping.

And that will only give us more information to put to good use.

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A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.