Which description best captures the purpose of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in adapted PE?

• A. It is used to measure sprint speed.
• B. It measures general fitness unrelated to movement quality.
• C. It identifies movement limitations and asymmetries to inform injury risk reduction and program design.
• D. It replaces all other assessments.

Answer: (C)

The main idea behind the Functional Movement Screen is to look at fundamental movement patterns to find where movement is limited or imbalanced. When someone shows restricted mobility or a difference between the right and left sides, these flags can signal higher risk for injury during activity. The screen uses simple movements to reveal these issues so a coach or teacher can design a targeted plan—prioritizing mobility work, stability, and strength, and correcting asymmetries—before advancing to more demanding tasks. In adapted PE, this approach is especially useful because it supports safer participation by allowing tasks to be adjusted to individual abilities while guiding progressions. It’s not about sprint speed or general fitness, and it doesn’t replace other assessments; it’s a screening tool to inform injury risk reduction and program design.