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FMS Level 2 study materials
FMS Level 2 study resources

FMS Level 2 practice questions

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Question 1Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

On the deep squat test, a score of 2 requires the athlete to perform which of the following?

  1. Complete the squat with the heels raised or the feet turned out while holding the dowel
  2. Complete the squat with the torso parallel to the tibia and the dowel over the toes
  3. Complete the squat with the dowel aligned over the toes, heels raised on the board
  4. Complete the squat with the upper torso parallel to the tibia and the dowel over the toes, using a lateral view Correct answer.

Explanation

The deep squat 2 is awarded when the athlete can squat with the upper torso parallel to the tibia and the dowel over the foot, but must use the lateral view to confirm alignment. The 3 requires the same alignment without a lateral view aid and with the heels down. A 1 is given when the athlete cannot achieve the alignment even with the heel board.

Question 2Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

During the hurdle step, the athlete's moving leg clears the hurdle but the hips shift and the dowel contacts the hurdle. What score is recorded?

  1. 2 Correct answer.
  2. 1
  3. 3
  4. 0

Explanation

A 2 is given when the athlete completes the step but with compensation such as hip shift, loss of dowel contact, or knee valgus. A 3 requires the hips to remain square and the dowel to stay in contact without compensation. A 1 is reserved for inability to clear the hurdle or loss of balance.

Question 3Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which statement best describes the scoring rationale for the inline lunge?

  1. The score reflects the ability to touch the dowel to the floor
  2. The score reflects the depth of the front knee relative to the toes
  3. The score reflects the ability to maintain the dowel in contact with the head, thoracic spine, and sacrum while lowering the back knee Correct answer.
  4. The score reflects the ability to keep both heels flat on the floor

Explanation

The inline lunge is scored on maintaining the dowel in three points of contact (head, thoracic spine, sacrum) and keeping the torso upright while the back knee lowers to the board. Loss of contact or torso lean lowers the score. Knee depth and heel position are not the primary scoring criteria.

Question 4Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

On the shoulder mobility screen, the athlete reaches both fists within one hand length but not touching. What score is recorded?

  1. 0
  2. 1
  3. 2 Correct answer.
  4. 3

Explanation

A 2 is awarded when the fists are within one hand length of each other but not touching. A 3 requires the fists to touch or come within one hand length with the dowel maintained. A 1 is given when the fists are more than one hand length apart.

Question 5Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which of the following best describes the criterion for a score of 3 on the active straight-leg raise?

  1. The ankle reaches past the mid-thigh with the opposite leg flat on the board Correct answer.
  2. The ankle reaches the mid-thigh with the opposite leg flat on the board
  3. The ankle reaches the mid-thigh with the opposite leg lifted off the board
  4. The ankle reaches the knee with the opposite leg flat on the board

Explanation

A 3 on the active straight-leg raise requires the ankle to reach past the mid-thigh while the opposite leg remains flat on the board. A 2 is given when the ankle reaches between the knee and mid-thigh. A 1 occurs when the ankle does not reach the knee.

Question 6Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

During the trunk stability push-up, the athlete completes the rep with the thumbs aligned at the chin but the hips drop. What score is recorded?

  1. 1
  2. 0
  3. 3
  4. 2 Correct answer.

Explanation

A 2 is given when the athlete completes the push-up with the thumbs at the chin but with compensation such as hips dropping or the body not moving as a unit. A 3 requires the thumbs at the chin and no compensation. A 1 is given only when the athlete cannot complete the rep in the thumbs-at-chin position.

Question 7Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

On the rotary stability screen, the athlete performs the diagonal pattern but loses balance. What score is recorded?

  1. 0
  2. 2 Correct answer.
  3. 3
  4. 1

Explanation

A 2 is awarded when the athlete performs the diagonal pattern with compensation such as loss of balance or loss of dowel contact. A 3 requires the pattern with no compensation. A 1 is given when the athlete cannot perform the diagonal pattern.

Question 8Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which statement correctly identifies the purpose of the clearing tests in the Functional Movement Screen?

  1. They identify pain or provocation that changes the interpretation of the associated movement score Correct answer.
  2. They measure flexibility more precisely than the primary movement
  3. They replace the primary movement scores for the associated screen
  4. They determine the athlete's dominant side for asymmetric screens

Explanation

Clearing tests are performed after the associated primary movement to identify pain or provocation. A positive clearing test changes the interpretation of the screen and typically results in a score of 0 for that movement. Clearing tests do not replace or refine the primary movement score.

Question 9Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores a 2 on the deep squat and a 2 on the hurdle step. What does this pattern most likely indicate?

  1. Asymmetry between the left and right sides of the hurdle step
  2. A score that should be averaged with the shoulder mobility score
  3. Symmetrical limitation in the sagittal plane with no asymmetry Correct answer.
  4. A pain response that requires a clearing test

Explanation

Identical scores on bilateral movements such as the deep squat and hurdle step suggest a symmetrical limitation rather than a side-to-side asymmetry. Asymmetry is identified when left and right scores differ on unilateral screens. Scores are not averaged across movements.

Question 10Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 1 on the left hurdle step and 2 on the right. Which interpretation is most consistent with FMS scoring principles?

  1. The higher score is recorded as the score for the movement
  2. The movement is scored 0 because of the asymmetry
  3. The lower score is recorded as the score for the movement Correct answer.
  4. The average of the two sides is recorded

Explanation

On unilateral screens, the lower of the two side scores is recorded for the movement. This conservative approach ensures the limitation is captured rather than masked. Asymmetry is documented separately for programming purposes.

Question 11Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

During the shoulder mobility screen, the athlete reports pain during the clearing test. How should the shoulder mobility score be recorded?

  1. 2
  2. 3
  3. 1
  4. 0 Correct answer.

Explanation

A positive clearing test indicating pain results in a score of 0 for the associated movement. Pain takes precedence over movement quality in FMS scoring. The athlete should be referred for further evaluation.

Question 12Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which of the following best explains why the deep squat is scored from both the anterior and lateral views?

  1. The lateral view is used only when the athlete scores a 1
  2. The lateral view confirms knee tracking, while the anterior view confirms dowel alignment
  3. The lateral view confirms dowel alignment and torso position, while the anterior view confirms knee and foot tracking Correct answer.
  4. Both views are required only to measure squat depth

Explanation

The two views provide complementary information: the lateral view shows dowel alignment over the foot and torso position relative to the tibia, while the anterior view shows knee tracking and foot position. Both are needed to apply the scoring criteria accurately. Depth alone is not the criterion.

Question 13Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 2 on the trunk stability push-up with the thumbs at the chin. What is the most appropriate next step in scoring?

  1. Record 2 and move on to the next screen
  2. Record 2 and perform the extension clearing test to check for pain Correct answer.
  3. Record 1 because compensation occurred
  4. Record 3 because the thumbs were at the chin

Explanation

After scoring the trunk stability push-up, the extension clearing test is performed to identify pain. A positive clearing test would change the score to 0 regardless of the movement quality. Recording the movement score alone without the clearing test is incomplete.

Question 14Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which of the following best describes the role of the dowel in scoring the inline lunge?

  1. It measures the distance between the fists
  2. It measures the depth of the back knee
  3. It determines the dominant side for the screen
  4. It provides a reference for maintaining three points of contact along the spine Correct answer.

Explanation

In the inline lunge, the dowel is held against the head, thoracic spine, and sacrum to provide a reference for maintaining contact throughout the movement. Loss of contact indicates a compensation that lowers the score. The dowel does not measure knee depth or fist distance.

Question 15Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

During the rotary stability screen, the athlete cannot perform the diagonal pattern but can perform the same-side pattern. What score is recorded?

  1. 2
  2. 1 Correct answer.
  3. 0
  4. 3

Explanation

A 1 is given when the athlete cannot perform the diagonal pattern but can perform the same-side pattern. A 2 requires the diagonal pattern with compensation. A 3 requires the diagonal pattern without compensation.

Question 16Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which statement best explains why the FMS uses a 0-to-3 scoring scale rather than a continuous scale?

  1. It measures flexibility more precisely than goniometry
  2. It eliminates the need for clearing tests
  3. It allows comparison of raw scores across different movements
  4. It categorizes movement quality into discrete levels that are reliable across raters Correct answer.

Explanation

The 0-to-3 scale categorizes movement quality into discrete levels designed to be reliably applied by trained raters. This supports consistent interpretation across practitioners. The scale does not measure flexibility precisely or eliminate clearing tests.

Question 17Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 1 on the active straight-leg raise on both sides. Which interpretation is most consistent with FMS principles?

  1. A pain response requiring a clearing test
  2. A score that should be averaged with the shoulder mobility score
  3. Symmetrical limitation in hamstring and posterior chain mobility Correct answer.
  4. Asymmetry requiring unilateral programming

Explanation

Matching low scores on both sides of a unilateral screen suggest a symmetrical limitation rather than an asymmetry. This informs programming toward bilateral mobility work. Asymmetry would be indicated by differing side scores.

Question 18Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which of the following best describes the criterion for a score of 1 on the hurdle step?

  1. The athlete reports pain during the clearing test
  2. The athlete clears the hurdle with no compensation
  3. The athlete cannot clear the hurdle or loses balance Correct answer.
  4. The athlete clears the hurdle with compensation

Explanation

A 1 on the hurdle step is given when the athlete cannot clear the hurdle or loses balance during the attempt. A 2 is given when the hurdle is cleared with compensation. Pain during the clearing test would result in a 0.

Question 19Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 3 on the shoulder mobility screen on the right and 1 on the left. Which interpretation is most consistent with FMS principles?

  1. The movement score is recorded as 2 by averaging the sides
  2. The movement is scored 0 because of the asymmetry
  3. The movement score is recorded as 3 because the right side is normal
  4. The movement score is recorded as 1, indicating a left-sided limitation Correct answer.

Explanation

On unilateral screens, the lower side score is recorded, so the shoulder mobility score is 1. This captures the limitation on the left side. The asymmetry is noted for programming but does not change the recording rule.

Question 20Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which statement best explains the relationship between a positive clearing test and the associated movement score in the FMS?

  1. The clearing test overrides the movement score and results in a 0 Correct answer.
  2. The clearing test is used only when the movement score is 1
  3. The clearing test is recorded separately and does not affect the movement score
  4. The clearing test refines the movement score upward

Explanation

A positive clearing test indicating pain overrides the movement score and results in a 0 for that movement. Pain is the highest-priority finding in FMS scoring. Clearing tests are not recorded separately from the movement score.

Question 21Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 2 on the deep squat, 2 on the hurdle step, and 2 on the inline lunge. Which interpretation is most consistent with FMS principles?

  1. A pattern of asymmetries requiring unilateral programming
  2. A pattern of symmetrical limitations in sagittal-plane movements Correct answer.
  3. A pattern indicating the athlete should be scored 0
  4. A pain response requiring a clearing test

Explanation

Consistently low but equal scores across bilateral and sagittal-plane movements suggest a symmetrical limitation rather than an asymmetry. This informs programming toward bilateral mobility and stability work. Asymmetry would be indicated by differing side scores on unilateral screens.

Question 22Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which of the following best explains why the FMS records the lower score on unilateral screens rather than the higher score?

  1. It ensures the limitation on the weaker side is not masked Correct answer.
  2. It eliminates the need for a clearing test
  3. It allows the athlete to be scored on their dominant side
  4. It reflects the average of both sides

Explanation

Recording the lower score ensures the limitation on the weaker side is captured rather than masked by the stronger side. This conservative approach supports appropriate programming. The rule is not based on dominance or averaging.

Question 23Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 1 on the rotary stability screen on both sides but reports no pain. Which interpretation is most consistent with FMS principles?

  1. A pain response requiring a clearing test
  2. A symmetrical limitation in rotary stability requiring bilateral programming Correct answer.
  3. A score that should be averaged with the trunk stability push-up score
  4. An asymmetry requiring unilateral programming

Explanation

Matching low scores on both sides of a unilateral screen indicate a symmetrical limitation rather than an asymmetry. This informs bilateral programming for rotary stability. Asymmetry would be indicated by differing side scores.

Question 24Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which statement best explains why the FMS uses clearing tests in addition to the primary movement screens?

  1. To determine the dominant side for unilateral screens
  2. To measure flexibility more precisely than the primary movement
  3. To replace the primary movement score when compensation occurs
  4. To identify pain that may not be apparent from movement quality alone Correct answer.

Explanation

Clearing tests are designed to identify pain that may not be apparent from observing movement quality alone. A positive clearing test overrides the movement score and results in a 0. Clearing tests do not replace the primary movement or determine dominance.

Question 25Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 3 on the deep squat but reports pain during the deep squat clearing test. Which interpretation is most consistent with FMS principles?

  1. The deep squat score remains 3 because movement quality was normal
  2. The deep squat score is recorded as 2 because of the pain
  3. The deep squat score is averaged with the clearing test result
  4. The deep squat score is recorded as 0 because of the pain response Correct answer.

Explanation

A positive clearing test indicating pain overrides the movement score and results in a 0, even when movement quality appears normal. Pain is the highest-priority finding in FMS scoring. The athlete should be referred for further evaluation.

Question 26Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

On the shoulder mobility screen, what is the scoring criterion that distinguishes a 3 from a 2 when the athlete reaches behind the neck and back?

  1. Fists come within one hand length of each other Correct answer.
  2. Fists come within one and a half hand lengths of each other
  3. Fingertips of one hand reach the other wrist
  4. Fists overlap or touch each other

Explanation

A score of 3 requires the fists to come within one hand length of each other while the athlete maintains the correct starting position and no compensatory lumbar extension. A score of 2 allows the fists to be within one and a half hand lengths. Anything beyond that distance, or loss of the starting position, drops the score to 1.

Question 27Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

During the active straight-leg raise, the athlete's ankle dorsiflexion places the malleolus between the mid-thigh and the ASIS. What score is recorded for that side?

  1. 2 Correct answer.
  2. 0
  3. 1
  4. 3

Explanation

The active straight-leg raise is graded by where the ankle malleolus lands relative to bony landmarks on the down leg. Reaching between the mid-thigh and the ASIS is the 2 criterion. A 3 requires the malleolus to pass the ASIS, and a 1 is when it stays below the mid-thigh.

Question 28Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which criterion defines a score of 3 on the hurdle step?

  1. Hips, knees, and ankles remain aligned in the sagittal plane with minimal lumbar movement Correct answer.
  2. The athlete completes the step but the dowel tilts forward
  3. The dowel contacts the foot during the step
  4. The stepping foot clears the hurdle with visible trunk lean

Explanation

A 3 on the hurdle step requires the athlete to clear the hurdle while keeping hips, knees, and ankles aligned in the sagittal plane, with the dowel staying level and minimal lumbar motion. Compensations such as trunk lean, dowel tilt, or loss of alignment reduce the score.

Question 29Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

What is the standard starting position for the trunk stability push-up screen?

  1. Prone with hands shoulder-width apart and thumbs aligned at the chin Correct answer.
  2. Supine with arms crossed over the chest
  3. Prone with elbows bent to 90 degrees and forearms on the floor
  4. Prone with hands shoulder-width apart and thumbs aligned at the forehead

Explanation

The trunk stability push-up begins prone with the hands placed shoulder-width apart and the thumbs aligned at the chin for the standard male position. The athlete then performs a push-up while keeping the body rigid. The forehead thumb position is a regression used for female athletes or when the chin version cannot be performed.

Question 30Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

On the deep squat, the athlete's upper torso leans forward and the dowel moves ahead of the line of the feet. What is the most appropriate score?

  1. 0
  2. 3
  3. 1
  4. 2 Correct answer.

Explanation

A forward torso lean with the dowel drifting forward of the feet is a compensation that prevents a 3 but still permits a 2 when the squat can be completed. A 3 requires the torso to stay as upright as possible with the dowel over the feet. A 1 would require additional compensations such as heel lift or inability to reach depth.

Question 31Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which landmark defines the top of the hurdle used in the hurdle step screen?

  1. The height of the athlete's patella
  2. The height of the athlete's greater trochanter
  3. The height of the athlete's anterior superior iliac spine
  4. The height of the athlete's tibial tuberosity Correct answer.

Explanation

The hurdle is set to the height of the athlete's tibial tuberosity, which is measured and marked before the screen. This standardizes the task relative to the athlete's own limb length. Using another landmark would change the demand and make scores incomparable across athletes.

Question 32Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

During the rotary stability screen, which combination of limb positions defines the correct starting position?

  1. Side-lying with the top leg abducted and the bottom arm extended
  2. Quadruped with hips and knees at 90 degrees and ankles plantarflexed, opposite arm and leg extended
  3. Prone with arms overhead and legs straight, opposite arm and leg lifted
  4. Quadruped with hips and knees at 90 degrees and ankles dorsiflexed, same-side arm and leg extended Correct answer.

Explanation

The rotary stability screen begins in a quadruped position with hips and knees at 90 degrees and ankles dorsiflexed against the board. The first pattern tested is same-side arm and leg extension, followed by the opposite-side diagonal pattern. The dowel is held against the back to monitor spinal position.

Question 33Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the FMS scoring scale's highest value of 3?

  1. The movement is completed with only minor compensations
  2. The movement is completed with the dominant side only
  3. The movement is completed without any identified compensation Correct answer.
  4. The movement is completed with pain but full range

Explanation

A score of 3 is reserved for a movement performed exactly as prescribed with no observable compensation. Minor compensations, asymmetry, or inability to complete the pattern reduce the score. Pain is scored separately as a 0 regardless of movement quality.

Question 34Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

During the inline lunge, the athlete completes the pattern but the torso rotates and the dowel does not stay in contact with the back. What score is most appropriate?

  1. 1
  2. 3
  3. 2 Correct answer.
  4. 0

Explanation

Loss of dowel contact or torso rotation is a compensation that prevents a 3 but still allows a 2 when the lunge can be completed. A 3 requires the dowel to remain in contact at three points with no torso rotation. A 1 would require loss of balance or inability to complete the pattern.

Question 35Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

On the shoulder mobility screen, the athlete cannot reach the starting position with one hand behind the neck. How should the score be recorded for that side?

  1. 0
  2. 3
  3. 1 Correct answer.
  4. 2

Explanation

If the athlete cannot assume the required starting position with the hand behind the neck, the screen cannot be performed as prescribed and the side is scored 1. A 2 requires reaching the position but with a larger fist gap. A 0 is used only when a clearing test provokes pain.

Question 36Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 2 on the deep squat and 2 on the shoulder mobility screen, but the shoulder mobility clearing test is positive. How should the shoulder mobility result be reported?

  1. The shoulder mobility score stays 2 because the movement itself was pain-free
  2. The shoulder mobility score is averaged with the deep squat score
  3. The clearing test result is ignored because the primary screen was completed
  4. The shoulder mobility score becomes 0 and the composite reflects the pain finding Correct answer.

Explanation

A positive clearing test assigns a score of 0 to the associated movement regardless of how well the primary pattern was performed. This flags the finding as a pain issue rather than a movement-quality issue. The composite score then reflects that 0.

Question 37Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which statement best explains why the FMS scores unilateral screens side by side and records the lower value?

  1. The higher value is recorded to reward the stronger side
  2. The two sides are summed to produce a single limb score
  3. The lower value flags asymmetry that may represent a risk factor for injury Correct answer.
  4. The lower value reflects the athlete's dominant limb performance

Explanation

Unilateral screens are performed on both sides, and the lower of the two scores is recorded. This convention highlights asymmetry between limbs, which is considered clinically meaningful. Recording the higher value would mask a limitation on the weaker side.

Question 38Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

During the active straight-leg raise, the athlete reports pain in the posterior thigh when the leg is raised. What score should be recorded?

  1. 0 Correct answer.
  2. 3
  3. 1
  4. 2

Explanation

Any report of pain during a screen produces a score of 0 for that movement, regardless of the range achieved. The pain finding takes precedence over movement quality. This signals the need for further evaluation rather than a movement-quality grade.

Question 39Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which of the following best explains why the FMS uses a clearing test after the trunk stability push-up?

  1. To measure the maximum number of push-ups the athlete can perform
  2. To determine whether the extension movement provokes spinal pain Correct answer.
  3. To assess the strength of the gluteal muscles
  4. To evaluate the athlete's cardiovascular endurance

Explanation

The trunk stability push-up clearing test involves a press-up motion that loads spinal extension. A positive result indicates pain provocation and converts the movement score to 0. The test is not a measure of strength or endurance.

Question 40Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 1 on the deep squat and 3 on the shoulder mobility screen with a negative clearing test. Which interpretation is most consistent with FMS principles?

  1. The deep squat limitation warrants prioritization in the exercise program Correct answer.
  2. The athlete should be cleared for high-load training
  3. The shoulder mobility result should be lowered to match the squat
  4. The composite score should be calculated using only the squat

Explanation

Low scores identify movements that should be prioritized for intervention, and the deep squat is a foundational pattern. A high score elsewhere does not change the low score or its priority. Composite scores include all screens, and a low score generally argues against unrestricted high-load training.

Question 41Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which statement best describes the criterion for a score of 2 on the rotary stability screen?

  1. The athlete cannot lift the arm and leg together
  2. The athlete reports pain during the clearing test
  3. The athlete performs only the same-side pattern
  4. The athlete performs the diagonal pattern while maintaining the dowel contact Correct answer.

Explanation

A 2 on rotary stability is earned when the athlete can complete the diagonal (opposite arm and leg) pattern while keeping the spine stable and the dowel in contact. A 1 is given when only the same-side pattern can be completed. Pain produces a 0.

Question 42Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

On the inline lunge, the athlete's front foot and rear foot are not placed on the board as prescribed, but the pattern otherwise looks clean. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Re-establish the correct foot placement before scoring the repetition Correct answer.
  2. Score a 1 because the setup was incorrect
  3. Score a 3 because the movement looked clean
  4. Score a 0 because the screen was invalid

Explanation

The inline lunge requires the feet to be positioned on the board with the rear foot placed so the toes of the rear foot align with the heel of the front foot. If the setup is wrong, the repetition is not valid and must be repeated with correct placement. Scoring a clean-looking but incorrectly set up repetition would be invalid.

Question 43Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which of the following best explains why the FMS requires the athlete to perform each screen without a warm-up specific to that movement?

  1. To ensure the dowel stays level
  2. To reduce the time required to complete the screen
  3. To prevent the athlete from reporting pain
  4. To observe the athlete's baseline movement quality rather than a rehearsed performance Correct answer.

Explanation

The screen is intended to capture the athlete's habitual movement quality, so specific rehearsal would distort the finding. Baseline observation supports consistent scoring and meaningful comparison over time. The other options describe logistics or technique cues rather than the rationale.

Question 44Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 2 on the hurdle step on the left and 2 on the right, and the deep squat is 2. What does this pattern most likely indicate?

  1. Full movement quality with no compensations
  2. A pain finding in the left hip
  3. Symmetrical but limited movement quality across these patterns Correct answer.
  4. A pain finding in the right hip

Explanation

Identical scores of 2 on both sides and on the deep squat indicate limitations that are symmetrical rather than side-specific. A score of 2 reflects compensations without pain. Pain would produce a 0, and full quality would produce 3s.

Question 45Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

During the deep squat, the athlete's heels lift off the floor but the squat reaches depth and the dowel stays over the feet. What score is most appropriate?

  1. 1 Correct answer.
  2. 0
  3. 2
  4. 3

Explanation

Heel lift during the deep squat is a compensation that limits the score to 1 even when depth is achieved. A 2 requires the squat to be completed without heel lift but with other compensations such as forward lean. A 3 requires no compensations at all.

Question 46Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which of the following best explains the role of the dowel in the inline lunge screen?

  1. It supports the athlete's balance during the lunge
  2. It marks the height of the hurdle
  3. It measures the length of the athlete's stride
  4. It provides a reference for maintaining spinal and torso alignment Correct answer.

Explanation

The dowel is held vertically along the spine to give the scorer a visible reference for spinal position and torso rotation. Loss of contact or dowel tilt signals a compensation. The dowel is not a measuring device or a balance aid.

Question 47Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 1 on the shoulder mobility screen on both sides with negative clearing tests. Which interpretation is most consistent with FMS principles?

  1. The athlete has a pain finding requiring referral
  2. The result should be discarded because it is bilateral
  3. Bilateral limitation without pain warrants prioritization of shoulder mobility work Correct answer.
  4. The athlete should be scored 0 because both sides are limited

Explanation

Bilateral scores of 1 with negative clearing tests indicate limited movement quality without pain. This pattern identifies shoulder mobility as a priority for intervention. Pain would be indicated by a positive clearing test and a score of 0.

Question 48Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

Which statement best explains why the FMS composite score is sometimes criticized as a stand-alone predictor of injury risk?

  1. The composite ignores the clearing tests entirely
  2. The composite is calculated from only three of the seven screens
  3. The composite uses a continuous scale that is difficult to interpret
  4. The composite may obscure specific asymmetries and pain findings that individual screens reveal Correct answer.

Explanation

A single composite can mask meaningful information such as side-to-side asymmetry or a positive clearing test that individual screens capture. Clinicians are encouraged to interpret the individual screen results alongside the composite. The composite does include all screens and does incorporate pain findings through the 0 scores.

Question 49Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 3 on the deep squat with a negative clearing test, but reports a painful arc in the shoulder during the shoulder mobility clearing test. How should the overall interpretation be framed?

  1. The deep squat score should be reduced to reflect the shoulder finding
  2. Both findings indicate a single regional limitation
  3. The deep squat is a strength of the pattern, while the shoulder finding requires further evaluation Correct answer.
  4. The shoulder finding can be disregarded because the primary screen was not performed

Explanation

Each screen is scored independently, so a 3 on the deep squat remains valid while the positive shoulder clearing test is a separate pain finding. A positive clearing test converts the shoulder mobility score to 0 and signals the need for further evaluation. Findings are not transferred across screens.

Question 50Functional Movement Screen Scoring Criteria and Deep Analysis

An athlete scores 1 on the rotary stability screen on the left and 2 on the right. Which interpretation is most consistent with FMS scoring logic?

  1. The right side is the limiting side because it scored higher
  2. The scores should be averaged to a 1.5
  3. The left side shows a greater limitation and asymmetry is present Correct answer.
  4. The asymmetry indicates a pain finding on the left

Explanation

The lower score of 1 on the left indicates that side cannot complete the diagonal pattern, while the right can. The difference between sides represents asymmetry, and the lower value is recorded. Pain would be indicated by a positive clearing test and a score of 0.