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Test-retest and interrater reliability of the functional movement screen
Rebecca Shultz1, Scott C Anderson, Gordon O Matheson
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA. rshultz@stanford.edu
Journal of Athletic Training
|May 17, 2013
Summary
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) demonstrates good test-retest reliability for a single rater. However, its interrater reliability is poor, suggesting caution when using FMS to predict injury risk without improved rater training.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Human Movement Science
- Biomechanical Analysis
Background:
- The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is widely used to identify dysfunctional movement patterns.
- Despite its popularity, published data on FMS test-retest reliability were lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the test-retest and interrater reliability of the FMS.
- To compare FMS scoring by a single rater during live assessment versus video review.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 39 NCAA Division IA varsity athletes (21 female, 18 male).
- Athletes underwent FMS testing and retesting one week later by the same rater.
- Video recordings of the initial session were scored by the initial rater and five additional raters.
- Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Krippendorff's alpha (K α) were used for reliability analysis.
Main Results:
- Good test-retest reliability was observed (ICC = 0.6).
- Excellent reliability was found between live and video scoring by the same rater (ICC = 0.92).
- Poor interrater reliability was indicated by a low Krippendorff's alpha (K α = 0.38).
Conclusions:
- The FMS is a reliable tool for individual rater use, evidenced by good test-retest and live-versus-video scoring consistency.
- Low interrater reliability suggests the FMS should be used cautiously for injury risk prediction without enhanced rater training.
- Improved rater training may enhance the FMS's interrater reliability.
