FMS Level 1 flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

FMS scoring scale

A 0-3 ordinal scale: 3 means the movement is completed without compensation, 2 means completed with compensation, 1 means unable to complete, and 0 means pain during the test.

FMS total score range

The seven pattern scores are summed for a total between 0 and 21. Bilateral patterns use the lower side score in the total.

Score of zero meaning

A score of 0 indicates pain anywhere during the test or a positive clearing test. It overrides the numeric score and requires referral before training.

FMS purpose

The screen identifies limitations and asymmetries in seven fundamental movement patterns. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not measure strength or endurance.

Deep Squat equipment

A dowel held overhead with elbows at 90 degrees, feet shoulder-width apart and toes forward. A 2x6 board is used under the heels for the score-2 option.

Deep Squat score 3 criteria

Upper torso parallel to the tibia or more upright, femur below horizontal, knees aligned over feet, and the dowel aligned over the feet.

Deep Squat score 2 criterion

The same squat depth and alignment criteria are met only when the heels are elevated on a 2x6 board, indicating ankle dorsiflexion limitation.

Deep Squat common compensations

Heels rising, feet turning out, knees caving inward, arms falling forward, and excessive forward trunk lean are typical compensations observed during the Deep Squat.

Hurdle Step setup

A dowel is held across the shoulders and the hurdle is set at the height of the tibial tuberosity of the tested leg. The subject stands with feet together behind the hurdle.

Hurdle Step score 3 criteria

Hips, knees, and ankles remain aligned in the sagittal plane, minimal lumbar movement occurs, the dowel stays horizontal, and the foot clears the hurdle.

Hurdle Step stance versus step

The stance leg represents stability and single-leg control, while the stepping leg represents mobility. The test assesses hip stability during single-leg stance.

Inline Lunge dowel position

The dowel is held behind the back with the top hand at the cervical spine and the bottom hand at the lumbar spine, maintaining contact at head, thoracic spine, and sacrum.

Inline Lunge foot placement

The rear foot is placed on a 2x6 board with the toe of the rear foot at the heel of the front foot. The rear knee lowers to touch the board behind the front heel.

Inline Lunge score 3 criteria

Minimal torso movement, no foot movement, the rear knee touches the board behind the front heel, and the dowel maintains contact at all three points.

Inline Lunge common compensations

Front knee drifting inward, torso rotation, loss of dowel contact, rear heel lifting, and a shortened stride are common compensations during the Inline Lunge.

Shoulder Mobility measurement

The distance between the two fists is measured with a tape. Fists are made with thumbs inside, one hand reaching over the shoulder and the other up the back.

Shoulder Mobility score 3

The fists are within one hand length of each other. Hand length is measured from the distal wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger.

Shoulder Mobility score 2

The fists are within one and a half hand lengths of each other. A score of 1 is more than one and a half hand lengths apart.

Shoulder clearing test

The subject places a hand on the opposite shoulder and lifts the elbow. Pain indicates a positive clearing test, and Shoulder Mobility is scored 0.

Active Straight-Leg Raise setup

The subject lies supine with a dowel placed at mid-thigh level between the anterior superior iliac spine and the knee. The test leg is lifted with ankle dorsiflexed.

Active Straight-Leg Raise score 3

The malleolus of the lifted leg reaches the dowel while the opposite leg remains flat on the board and the low back stays flat.

Active Straight-Leg Raise score 2

The malleolus reaches between the dowel and the mid-patella. A score of 1 means the malleolus does not reach the mid-patella.

Trunk Stability Push-Up setup

Men start with thumbs at forehead level and women with thumbs at chin level. One push-up is performed with the body moving as a unit and no lumbar lag.

Trunk Stability Push-Up score 2

The push-up is completed with the thumbs at chin level for men or clavicle level for women. Score 3 uses the stricter forehead or chin start position.

Spinal extension clearing test

From prone, the subject presses the upper body up while keeping the hips on the floor. Pain indicates a positive clearing test, and Trunk Stability Push-Up is scored 0.

Rotary Stability setup

From quadruped with hips and knees at 90 degrees and ankles dorsiflexed, the subject reaches one hand to the opposite knee while maintaining a neutral spine.

Rotary Stability score 3

The movement is performed unilaterally with the same-side shoulder and hip extended and the knee and elbow touching. Score 2 uses the diagonal opposite-side pattern.

Spinal flexion clearing test

From quadruped, the subject rocks back toward the heels and touches the chest to the thighs. Pain indicates a positive clearing test, and Rotary Stability is scored 0.

Pain provocation priority

Any score of 0 indicates pain and takes precedence over all other scores. The painful movement is documented and referral occurs before training.

Clearing test rule

A positive clearing test produces a score of 0 for the associated primary pattern, even if the primary movement itself was completed without pain.

Asymmetry definition

A difference of 1 or more between left and right scores on a bilateral pattern. Asymmetries are prioritized over symmetric limitations in interpretation.

Prioritization order

Pain scores of 0 come first, followed by asymmetries, then symmetric limitations, then overall low total score. This order guides intervention selection.