Scoring interpretation, asymmetry, and movement pattern prioritization
Total score, asymmetry, and prioritization
The FMS total is the sum of the seven pattern scores, using the lower score for bilateral patterns. Maximum is 21. The total alone is not a diagnosis or a pass/fail result. Asymmetry is any left-right difference on the five bilateral patterns: Hurdle Step, Inline Lunge, Shoulder Mobility, Active Straight-Leg Raise, and Rotary Stability. Asymmetry is a risk flag even when both sides score 2 or 3. The FMS is a criterion-referenced screen, so the total is less important than the pattern-level findings and the direction of asymmetry.
Prioritization rules
- First priority: any score of 0 (pain). Refer for medical evaluation before continuing.
- Second priority: scores of 1 (inability).
- Third priority: asymmetries.
- Fourth priority: scores of 2 (compensations). Address the most dysfunctional pattern first, then re-screen. Do not add both left and right scores; use the lower one. Re-screen after a training block to see whether the priority pattern has changed.
Worked example
Scores: Deep Squat 2; Hurdle Step left 3, right 2; Inline Lunge 2/2; Shoulder Mobility 3/3; Active Straight-Leg Raise 1/1; Trunk Stability Push-Up 2; Rotary Stability left 2, right 1. Bilateral totals: Hurdle 2, Inline 2, Shoulder 3, ASLR 1, Rotary 1. Total = 2+2+2+3+1+2+1 = 13. Priorities: ASLR 1 and Rotary 1, plus the Rotary asymmetry. The 2s are addressed later. If any 0 were present, it would outrank all of these.
Traps
- Adding left and right scores, which inflates the total.
- Ignoring asymmetry because the total looks acceptable.
- Treating a 2 as a 3 or as 'good'.
- Addressing 2s before 1s or 0s.
- Using the total score as the only outcome or as a diagnosis. Recording only the total and not the individual pattern scores. Document the lower side.