The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a popular tool for assessing movement quality and identifying potential injury risk factors. However, the FMS is not a magic bullet that can tell you everything about your clients' fitness and performance. It is important to avoid some common mistakes when interpreting FMS results, such as:
The FMS is composed of seven tests that are scored from zero to three, based on the quality of movement and the presence of pain. A total score of 14 or less is considered indicative of a higher injury risk. However, the FMS score is not a definitive diagnosis or a prescription for exercise. It is only a snapshot of how your client moves at a given moment, and it does not account for other factors such as strength, power, endurance, mobility, stability, or specific skills. You should not base your programming solely on the FMS score, but rather use it as a starting point for further assessment and intervention.
I advocate for a holistic approach. Relying only on FMS scores for exercise programs is limiting. While FMS is useful for identifying movement patterns, it overlooks other components of fitness, such as body composition, essential for tailored training. Each person's unique body and history mean that a sole focus on symmetrical FMS scores may not be appropriate. FMS also doesn't assess muscle strength, endurance, or sport-specific skills, which are crucial for overall fitness. Ongoing reassessments are essential to monitor progress and modify plans accordingly. FMS should be a guide, not the sole basis for decisions. We aim to create a well-rounded program that addresses the entire individual, encompassing strength, endurance and balance.
Según mi experiencia, la puntuación total da un diagnóstico aproximado del cliente o persona especificando su situación en ese momento. Pero hay que tener en cuenta los demás factores al margen de la puntuación que nos da esa referencia para utilizarla.
One of the most important aspects of the FMS is the pain response. If your client reports any pain during any of the tests, they should receive a zero score and be referred to a qualified health professional for further evaluation. Pain is a sign of dysfunction and inflammation, and it can interfere with movement quality and performance. You should not ignore pain or try to work around it with exercises that do not provoke it. Pain is a red flag that needs to be addressed before proceeding with any training program.
Partimos de la base de que el dolor es una se?al del sistema nervioso de que algo no anda bien. Es una sensación desagradable, como un pinchazo, hormigueo, picadura, ardor o molestia. El dolor puede ser agudo o sordo. Puede ser intermitente o ser constante. De ahí la respuesta de cada persona al dolor. Pero sobre todo hay casos en los que la persona se amolda a un dolor crónico o lo intenta suplir en el caso de un entrenamiento obligatoria de la disciplina a desarrollar.
Another common mistake when interpreting FMS results is misunderstanding asymmetries. The FMS tests for bilateral symmetry in movement patterns such as the shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, and trunk stability push-up. A difference of one point or more between the left and right sides is considered an asymmetry, which may indicate a potential imbalance or compensation. However, asymmetries are not always bad or harmful. Some asymmetries are normal and expected, such as the dominant hand or foot being stronger or more coordinated than the non-dominant side. Some asymmetries are also adaptive and beneficial, such as the rotational patterns of golfers or baseball players. The key is to determine whether the asymmetry is functional or dysfunctional, and whether it affects performance or increases injury risk.
Las asimetrías son dependiendo de cada persona y en casos mas concretos del deporte a practicar lo que determina la funcionalidad o disfuncionalidad de las mismas. Al ser adaptables pueden ser malas o beneficiosas según cada persona y su funcionalidad.
Understanding asymmetry in Functional Movement Screening (FMS) is crucial but tricky. It's important to know that some asymmetry is normal. The key is to look at each person's unique body and history. Experienced coaches should consider not just FMS scores but also any past injuries and how the person feels during the test. Regular reassessments help track changes over time. It's best not to jump to conclusions based on asymmetry alone; instead, use FMS as part of a bigger picture that includes other health assessments such as functional capacity screens (FCS). Always focus on what's best for the individual, remembering that each body is different and requires a tailored approach. Remember, FMS is a guide, not the whole story.
The FMS is a useful tool for screening movement quality, but it is not the only tool. You should not neglect the big picture of your client's fitness and performance goals, and how they relate to their movement patterns. The FMS does not measure specific aspects of fitness such as strength, power, endurance, speed, agility, or coordination. Nor does it measure specific skills or sports demands such as running, jumping, throwing, or catching. You should complement the FMS with other assessments that are relevant to your client's needs and objectives, and design a comprehensive and individualized training program that addresses all the components of fitness and performance.
The final mistake when interpreting FMS results is forgetting to reassess. The FMS is not a one-time test that gives you a permanent score. It is a dynamic and ongoing process that reflects how your client moves and adapts to training and life. You should reassess your client's FMS score regularly, at least every four to six weeks, to monitor their progress and adjust their program accordingly. Reassessment can help you identify what is working and what is not, and what areas need more attention or improvement. Reassessment can also help you celebrate your client's achievements and motivate them to keep moving forward.
Al ser un proceso continuo, una única evaluación no tiene sentido y es equivoca. Y este proceso hay que adaptarlo a cada cliente y hacerlo con regularidad para contrastar los distintos resultados.
Como Coach deportivo durante mas de 15 a?os, hay que recalcar que cada caso en cada persona es específico y que hay que eliminar las generalidades para sacar el máximo rendimiento y funcionalidad a cada deportista en la actividad que realizan así como dise?ar su recuperación en caso de lesión, entrenamiento y plan de vida personal.