Functional Movement Systems

Functional Movement Systems

A functional movement systems assessment can be carried out as part of a tailored sports performance analysis assessment. You will be contacted via phone before your appointment to discuss your needs.

Viewing predetermined single plain movements of chosen joints such as how an elbow flexes or a knee extends gives us a measured way of comparing joint ranges and muscle length. By analysing complex multiplane movements used in both sports and everyday activities, we can pinpoint functional impediments that may only occur during these more intricate combined movements.

By assessing functional movement patterns, we might help a runner increase their stride length, a rugby player identify a core weakness or a cyclist stabilise the spine to create stronger leverage for their hip flexors. These changes can enhance performance, save energy, or simply make an activity more comfortable and efficient to perform.

To do this, we use a series of specific upper and lower body multifunctional exercises or movements - for example, a person may be asked to carry out a lunge and this may be done in different ways to match their ability. By observing and assessing the quality of each movement and the required strength in key muscle groups, which should facilitate normal patterns, we may discover a weakness or poorly contracting muscle within the kinetic chain that is impeding the fluidity and ease of movement.

All exercises and movements we ask you to replicate are achievable, whatever your age or ability, allowing us to assess key physical attributes such as core strength, mobility, coordination, and flexibility.

At BeActive Clinic Hertford, functional movement systems is just one area of our sports performance analysis service. To find out more about the other services, click on the images below.