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Functional Movement Screen and Selective Functional Movement Assessment

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The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a clinical assessment tool used by physical therapists and other movement specialists to evaluate the quality of movement patterns and identify dysfunctions or compensations in the body. It is designed to help practitioners identify the underlying causes of pain or movement dysfunction by systematically assessing key functional movement patterns that are essential for daily activities and athletic performance.

Key Concepts of SFMA

1. Selective Approach
The "selective" in SFMA refers to the process of distinguishing between mobility and stability dysfunctions. It helps determine if a movement dysfunction is due to joint mobility restrictions, muscle tightness, or motor control problems.
1. Selective Approach
2. CNS-Driven Movement
The SFMA is designed to identify dysfunctions that may be driven by the central nervous system (CNS) rather than just structural impairments. In other words, a movement pattern may be dysfunctional not only due to an anatomical issue but also because of altered neurological control or motor patterns.
2. CNS-Driven Movement
3. Global Movement Patterns
The SFMA assesses the global movement patterns that involve multiple joints and body segments, rather than focusing on isolated joints or muscles. This approach emphasizes the kinetic chain, recognizing that dysfunction in one part of the body can affect the entire system.
3. Global Movement Patterns

The SFMA Process

Part 1

The 7 Fundamental Movement Patterns: These are the basic movements that involve the integration of multiple body segments. Each pattern is assessed to identify dysfunction or asymmetry:

  • Cervical Spine Movement (neck movement in different directions)
  • Shoulder Mobility (shoulder range of motion and control)
  • Thoracic Spine Mobility (upper back mobility)
  • Lumbar Spine and Pelvic Region (core stability and mobility)
  • Single-Leg Stance (balance and hip stability)
  • Squatting Patterns (deep squat mobility and function)
  • Step and Lunge Movements (dynamic movement and lower body coordination)

Part 2

Step 1: Screen and Classify: The therapist begins by evaluating the quality of these fundamental movements through a series of functional movement tests. The movements are classified into three categories:

  • Functional: The movement is smooth, pain-free, and within normal range of motion.
  • Dysfunctional: The movement is limited, awkward, or painful, indicating that something is not functioning properly in the kinetic chain.
  • Painful: The movement is painful, and the pain indicates a deeper issue that needs to be addressed (could be related to a joint, soft tissue, or neurological issue).

Step 2: Break It Down: Once a dysfunction is identified, the therapist uses selective testing to further investigate whether the issue is due to:

  • Mobility dysfunction: Limited range of motion in a joint or soft tissue.
  • Stability dysfunction: Lack of control or strength during the movement.
  • Movement coordination dysfunction: Impaired ability to move efficiently due to faulty motor control.

Step 3: Create a Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment findings, the therapist creates an individualized treatment plan that focuses on addressing the root cause of the dysfunction. This could involve:

  • Manual therapy techniques for joint mobilization or soft tissue release to improve mobility.
  • Stability exercises to improve core strength, proprioception, and motor control.
  • Motor learning strategies to retrain the brain and body to move more efficiently.