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FMS History

Gray Cook and Lee Burton have attempted to improve communication and develop a tool that will improve objectivity and collaboration between the professions of physical therapy, strength and conditioning and athletic training. The Functional Movement Screen was originally developed to gather objective data for statistical analysis of human movement patterns with respect to functional performance and injury prevention. Our individual experiences, as well as collaborative clinical and research experiences (with respect to functional movement), have allowed us to refine and improve a philosophy set forth in 1995.

It was at this time literature review and research identified no systematic tool to identify functional asymmetry or major limitation in functional movement patterns. Most of the tests at that time were geared to athletic performance or specific skill performance. We, as a group, felt that the fundamental human movement patterns were being left out of analysis. Research has demonstrated that right-left asymmetries and major limitations can increase injury potential and decrease functional effectiveness.

Currently, there is no tool to effectively track substitution and compensations - most test are quantitative and not qualitative in nature. Our attempt to add the Functional Movement Screen to current sports medicine and strength and conditioning practices was an attempt to fulfill a void. We do not feel that the Functional Movement Screen replaces any of the standardized testing methodology currently used. Instead, we feel that it adds another perspective of human ovement that could potentially help clarify problems as well as improve performance and resistance to injury.

»Organizations We Have Worked With

  • Anaheim Mighty Ducks

    Anaheim Mighty Ducks

  • Atlanta Falcons

    Atlanta Falcons

  • Baltimore Ravens

    Baltimore Ravens

  • Brigham Young University

    Brigham Young University

  • Buffalo Bills

    Buffalo Bills

  • Carolina Hurricanes

    Carolina Hurricanes

  • Chicago Bears

    Chicago Bears

  • Cincinnati Bangels

    Cincinnati Bangels

  • Cleveland Indians

    Cleveland Indians

  • Cooper Institute

    Cooper Institute

  • Green Bay Packers

    Green Bay Packers

  • Indianapolis Colts Mayo Clinic

    Indianapolis Colts Mayo Clinic

  • Montreal Canadians

    Montreal Canadians

  • New York Jets

    New York Jets

  • Oakland Raiders

    Oakland Raiders

  • Orange County Fire Department

    Orange County Fire Department

  • San Francisco 49ers

    San Francisco 49ers

  • Secret Services

    Secret Services

  • Stanford University

    Stanford University

  • Texas A&M University Recreational Sports

    Texas A&M University Recreational Sports

  • Toronto Blue Jays

    Toronto Blue Jays

  • United States Government Organizations

    United States Government Organizations

  • University of Georgia

    University of Georgia

  • United States Military

    United States Military

  • University of Maryland

    University of Maryland

  • University of Texas

    University of Texas

  • University of Wisconsin

    University of Wisconsin

» Endorsement

“I work with an Italian pro basketball team, Pallacanestro Cantu’ Basketball Bennet. Last season we reached the finals of the Italian Pro League and we are now competing in the Top 16 of Euroleague. We build the workouts for our players with the help of
FMS. Priorities are clearly outlined with the screen and the exercises follow progressions that decrease asymmetries and weaknesses. The final result is an improvement in the quality of movement and the reduction of problems, especially the overuse problems.
We include FMS in our assessment and we use RNT principles in our workouts. Our athletes like this technique. Great motivation in the training helps us a lot!”

Roberto Bianchi - Professional Strength and Conditioning Coach

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