Functional Movement Screening

Injury prevention begins with understanding how well you move. Functional Movement Screening at Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5 Faridabad, allows Dr. Vaishali Suri to assess your fundamental movement quality and design programmes that reduce injury risk before symptoms develop.

What Is Functional Movement Screening?

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a standardised assessment of seven fundamental movement patterns. Each movement is scored from 0 to 3, generating a composite score that reflects overall movement quality.

It was developed to identify mobility and stability limitations that may predispose an individual to musculoskeletal injury.

Why It Matters

Research suggests that low FMS scores and significant left-to-right asymmetries may be associated with higher injury risk in physically active individuals. Identifying these issues early allows targeted intervention before pain or injury occurs.

FMS is used widely in sports, military, and occupational health settings to optimise movement health.

What Happens During the Assessment?

You will be guided through seven standardised movement tasks. Dr. Vaishali Suri scores each movement according to defined criteria, noting compensatory patterns and asymmetries.

• Deep squat — assesses bilateral mobility and stability
• Hurdle step — evaluates stride mechanics and balance
• Inline lunge — tests hip and ankle mobility and stability
• Shoulder mobility — assesses bilateral shoulder range
• Active straight leg raise — evaluates core stability and hamstring flexibility
• Trunk stability push-up — tests upper body and core stability
• Rotary stability — assesses multi-planar trunk stability

What We Measure

Each of the seven tests is scored 0–3 based on performance quality. A total score below 14 may indicate elevated injury risk. Side-to-side asymmetry scores are flagged separately as a priority for intervention.

What Your Results Mean

Low scores on specific patterns highlight areas where mobility, stability, or motor control may need attention. Dr. Vaishali Suri uses these findings to design a personalised corrective exercise programme or to adjust your sports training load.

"Movement quality matters as much as strength and fitness. The FMS lets us see where the weak links are in your movement chain and address them proactively — before they become injuries."

When to Book a Functional Movement Screen

This screening is ideal for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone returning to exercise after injury or a period of inactivity. It is also valuable for individuals with physically demanding occupations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FMS the same as a general fitness test?

No. The FMS focuses on movement quality and pattern symmetry, not fitness levels. A very fit person can score poorly on movement quality, and vice versa.

How long does functional movement screening take at Realign Rehab Clinic?

The seven movement tests typically take 20 to 30 minutes, followed by a discussion of findings and initial corrective exercise recommendations from Dr. Vaishali Suri.

Can the FMS be used for children or older adults?

The standard FMS was developed for active adults. Dr. Vaishali Suri may use age-appropriate movement assessments for paediatric or elderly patients at Realign Rehab Clinic, Faridabad.