What is a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) used for in adapted physical education?

• A. It measures cardiovascular endurance.
• B. It diagnoses neurological disorders.
• C. It evaluates reaction time.
• D. It assesses movement patterns to identify limitations and asymmetries that may raise injury risk and inform program design.

Answer: (D)

Functional Movement Screen focuses on movement quality by evaluating fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations and asymmetries that may raise injury risk. In adapted physical education, this is especially useful because it helps teachers see how a student moves in basic tasks and where adjustments are needed. When an issue such as limited hip mobility, instability, or a noticeable asymmetry is identified, the program can be designed to address those specific deficits with targeted mobility, stability, and technique work before increasing intensity or complexity. It’s not a measure of endurance, nor a tool for diagnosing neurological disorders, and it doesn’t assess reaction time. Instead, it serves as a screening method to inform safer, more effective, individualized activity plans.