Functional Movement Assessment

The goal of the functional movement assessment is to identify performance issues and prevent injury.

We then use this information to design a safe, scientifically based strength and conditioning program to fit each individual’s needs.

Contact Us

Functional movement assessments are offered at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in Pittsburgh. Contact Ron DeAngelo, MEd, LAT, FAFS for more information — email deangelors@upmc.edu or call 412-432-3871.

What is the Functional Movement Assessment (FMA)?

The functional movement assessment is a 3D analysis that uncovers muscle imbalances that may hinder your ability to reach an optimal level of performance or lead to injury. We use the term “functional” because we evaluate movement patterns specific to each sport, not muscle groups.

Also known as chain reaction biomechanics, the assessment involves:

• Gravity.
• Ground reaction forces.
• Mass and momentum.
• Three planes of motion.

The assessment

The FMA is a three-step process:

1. Posture assessment — Efficient movement patterns for running must begin with optimal posture. Poor posture can lead to overuse injuries.
2. Walking and/or running gait analysis — After analyzing how you run, our sports medicine experts will evaluate different movement patterns that will uncover dynamic imbalances. Based on your movements, these imbalances will show up as short, tight muscles and long, weak muscles.
3. Clinical evaluation — The clinical evaluation measures flexibility, strength, and balance.

Your corrective exercise program

After you complete the functional movement assessment, the next step is a corrective exercise program. This program will address your chain reaction biomechanics imbalances. Think of this as adjusting a car’s front-end alignment. Improper alignment can result in avoidable overuse injuries. The FMA can help you be safer and become a better athlete by identifying issues and helping to prevent injuries.