Development of Functional Movement Scale. A New Measure of Functional Limitations

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to develop Functional Movement Scale (FMS) for measuring functional limitations, and to examine the content validity. Functional movement was defined as the basic movements necessary for activities of daily living (ADL), and measurement items were selected by previous studies. The items were further assessed by 10 physical therapists using a questionnaire. After selecting 12 items; sitting balance, hand reach in sitting, standing balance, transfer, hand reach in standing, turn in standing, walking, one leg standing, stair climbing, changes of position (supine-lying to sitting, sitting to standing, sitting on floor to standing, and vice versa), and a manual for FMS measurement was developed. A total score of this scale was found ranging from 0 to 48 points. It was speculated that the relationship between ADL and basic movements exerts a cumulative structure. © 2000, The Society of Physical Therapy Science. All rights reserved.