During our education session this week, we discussed the screening of Northeastern University athletes and which methods are used to find baseline measurements. To obtain the mobility measurements of over 400 athletes that compete for NU, the FMS, Functional Movement Screen, is used. The FMS “is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns that are key to normal function” (functionalmovement.com). This movement screen is very effective in that it does not take a large amount of room to complete, and is relatively quick as far as the time it takes to implement. Additionally, the language used for the test is simple, so communicating with the athletes about the results, directions, etc. can be done with ease. At NU, the motto is “move well, then move often.” Meaning, it is important to have the correct functional movement patterns before the specific movements are taught.
FMS screening is worked into the pre-participation examination, or PPE, process and the results are applied through athlete training restrictions, or the lack of, and necessary treatment. Though there are a total of seven screen tests and three clearing tests, Northeastern decided upon what they thought were the three FMS screens that would give a total body assessment. Those chosen were the shoulder mobility test, the active straight leg raise, and the overhead squat. In addition to these three FMS, the sports medicine team also uses the SFMA screens for multi-segmental flexion and extension. The SFMA, short for Selective Functional Movement Assessment, is a diagnostic test for those with a preexisting injury or present pain, whereas the FMS is a predictive test. These three screens, along with the two SFMA tests, will most likely detect a deficiency or asymmetry if one is present, in which case the athlete would then be referred to the sports medicine personnel appropriate to treat.
Learning how the results of these tests are applied to athlete training and treatment was the most interesting part of this education session to me. The fact that over 400 athletes undergo baseline testing in one day is extremely impressive and goes to show that the system used to accomplish this feat is continually improved upon. Personally, implementing these tests and eventually getting to administer some of the athlete PPE testing myself is one experience that I am looking forward to most during this internship