How can you communicate Functional Movement Screen limitations to older adults and caregivers?

2 Adapt the FMS to the individual

FMS consists of seven movements that require different levels of mobility, stability, and coordination. However, not all older adults may be able to perform them safely or comfortably, depending on their health status, functional abilities, and preferences. Therefore, it is essential to adapt the FMS to the individual, using modifications, alternatives, or exemptions as needed. For example, you can use a chair, a wall, or a lower hurdle to modify the deep squat, the hurdle step, or the in-line lunge. You can also use a different test, such as the timed up and go, the sit to stand, or the gait speed, to assess mobility, balance, or endurance instead of the FMS. Moreover, you can exempt some movements if they are contraindicated, painful, or irrelevant for the older adult.

3 Interpret the results cautiously

After completing the FMS, you will obtain a score for each movement, ranging from zero to three, based on the quality and completeness of the execution. However, you should not rely solely on the scores to draw conclusions or make recommendations. Instead, you should interpret the results cautiously, considering the context, the goals, and the individual characteristics of the older adult. For instance, you should not compare the scores of different older adults, as they may have different baseline conditions, expectations, and needs. You should also not assume that a low score indicates a problem or a high score indicates a strength, as there may be other factors influencing the performance, such as pain, fatigue, motivation, or familiarity. Furthermore, you should not prescribe exercises or interventions based on the scores alone, but rather on a comprehensive assessment of the older adult's functional status, medical history, and preferences.

4 Collaborate with other professionals

FMS is not a substitute for a medical evaluation, a physical therapy session, or a fitness program. Rather, it is a complementary tool that can help you identify potential areas of improvement or referral for the older adult. Therefore, it is important to collaborate with other professionals, such as physicians, physiotherapists, or fitness trainers, who can provide further guidance, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision for the older adult. By doing so, you can ensure that the older adult receives the best care possible, and that the FMS results are used appropriately and effectively.

5 Follow up and reassess

FMS is not a one-time event, but a dynamic process that can change over time. Therefore, it is important to follow up and reassess the older adult periodically, to monitor their progress, adjust their plan, and celebrate their achievements. By doing so, you can help the older adult stay motivated, engaged, and confident in their functional abilities, and prevent or reduce the risk of injury or decline. You can also use the FMS as a feedback tool, to show the older adult and their caregiver how their movement quality has improved, and how that translates into better performance and quality of life.