Many clinicians confuse the Select Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) with the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Both tools are a part of the same Functional Movement System created by Cook and colleagues, but their fundamental purposes are quite different. The SFMA is meant to be used in a diagnostic capacity, designed to identify musculoskeletal dysfunction among individuals affected by pain. Whereas the FMS is a screening tool, not intended for diagnosis. The FMS aims to identify imbalances in mobility and stability during functional movements.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Functional Movement System, here are some helpful resources:

Functional Movement Screen (FMS) – Physiopedia

Functional Reach Test (FRT) – Physiopedia

Manual Assessment of Respiratory Motion (MARM) – Physiopedia

Bath Assessment of Walking Inventory – Physiopedia

Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) – Physiopedia