Having introduced the E-FMS in Part 1 of this blog series, we’re now going to explore how we apply it in practise. Remember, the E-FMS is a general movement screen designed to give an initial snapshot of how someone moves as a whole. It allows movement to be observed in a controlled setting and helps highlight where things may become more difficult under speed or load. It also gives an idea of how comfortable someone feels moving freely, without overthinking.

For each of the four tests we apply a simple ‘See, Interpret, Do’ approach to assess, analyse and then provide targeted interventions off the back of the E-FMS assessment. When it comes to ‘See’ we do take a segmental approach, first looking at the feet, then the pelvis and finally the ribs. We’ll now go through each of the tests in isolation.

Test #1: Toe-Touch

Desirable:

In a toe touch we want to see (a) the weight shift into the mid foot and heel (b) the pelvis rotate to allow length in the lumbar spine and (c) flexion through the spinal column with ribcage depression and a resultant closure of the space between the ribcage and thighs.

Now let’s take a look at a real example…

See:

• Feet: weight hanging back in heels
• Pelvis: in anterior tilt and limited lumbar spine flexion
• Ribs: Limited ribcage depression with assoc poor thoracic flexion

(Left = initial assessment; Middle = end of session 1; Right = 1-week follow-up)

Interpret:
We need to restore flexion (bend) and length through the spine and pelvis. Breathwork will be used to help create more effective lengthening and shortening through these areas, in a more efficient order.

Do:
The first focus is on calming the nervous system to access greater ranges of movement in a controlled state. Breathwork is used to create length through the diaphragm and pelvic floor, whilst also helping reduce excessive bracing. This helps to minimise “guarding” around positions the body may perceive as vulnerable, allowing us to gently re-engage the right areas in a more efficient pattern. The aim is to shift towards more ‘thoughtless’ movement strategies, encouraging more automatic movement again.

In this example we used the below exercises as a daily rehab routine around the strength and mechanics sessions for one week initially prior to then re-assessing and progressing through frontal and transverse as appropriate:

Seated Flexion Breathing > Watch
All Fours posterior ribcage breathing > Watch
Supine breathing with pelvic tilt > Watch
Pelvic tilt and Mini bridge > Watch
Oblique isometric in supine > Watch

Test #2: Side-Bend

Desirable:

In a frontal plane side-bend, we want to see (a) a shift of weight to the lateral and medial border of the outside and inside feet, respectively (b) a lateral shift of the pelvis and (c) side flexion of the spinal column to allow a lateral ribcage depression into a C-shape curve.

Now let’s take a look at a real example…

See:

• Feet: Shifting along the borders of the feet.
• Pelvis:
  • Right side: Lateral shift with slight rotation.
  • Left side: Slightly reduced shift, moved in two parts (hips then ribs). Less thoughtless and fearless but had access to range of motion.
• Rib Cage: Reduced side flexion on left-side reach. Movement occurred in two parts. After frontal-plane breathing sessions, movement became thoughtless and fearless.

(Left & Middle = initial assessment; Right = follow-up assessment)

Interpret:
This case is not an example of restricted or “bad” movement. Instead, it reflects how the client experiences confidence in their movement. The inability to move thoughtlessly and fearlessly provides insight into protective and restrictive patterns that may emerge under higher-demand or chaotic conditions.

Do:

In this example, the first thing we did was explore the client’s subjective experience during the movement. This allowed us to assess any symptoms/feelings associated with the movement. We then followed this up with further objective joint and functional assessments as indicated by their responses.

The exercises we used to address these deficiencies i.e. improve thoracic mobility and ribcage dynamics, were as follows:

Mermaids > Watch
90-90 Bow and Arrow > Watch
Candlestick Side Bend > Watch

Test #3: Standing Rotation

Desirable:

For a right side-rotation we want to see (a) pronation and supination at the left and right foot, respectively (b) transverse rotation through the pelvis without an extension or flexion shift (c) lengthening through the obliques to allow rib cage and thoracic rotation.

Now let’s take a look at a real example…

See:

• Feet: Bilateral reduction in pronation and supination.
• Pelvis: Right-side rotation with a left leg lean; reduced rotational capacity (unable to see pocket of shorts).
• Ribs: Right upper thoracic rotation, compensated by a left-side lean.

(Left = initial assessment; Right = 2-week follow up assessment)

Interpret:
Transverse movements should ideally feel like a coordinated rotation from head to feet along a spindle, combining lengthening and shortening across the obliques, hip rotators, and foot pronators/supinators. In this client, compensatory patterns are evident: the body braced, using pelvic lean and shoulder elevation to “cheat” the rotation.

Do:

After the initial assessment this prompted us to conduct a more thorough assessment of feet, hips, and thoracic spine. The purpose of this assessment was to objectively rule out any true ‘block’ restrictions or pathology in the joint.

The exercises we used to address these deficiencies i.e. improve ribcage and pelvis rotation, reduce compensatory lean and reduce subjective symptoms, are listed below. It is worth noting in this example, that post-intervention there remained a persistent limitation in pronation and supination.

Hip Drops > Watch
Bow and Arrow Breathing > Watch
Mermaids with Transverse Reach > Watch
Standing Co-Contraction with a Transverse Reach > Watch

Test #4: OH Reach

Desirable:

We want to see (a) a weight shift into the front foot (b) anterior translation of the pelvis (c) ribcage elevation and segmented extension through the spinal column.

Now let’s take a look at a real example…

See:

• Feet: weight stays in heels
• Pelvis: pelvis in line with feet limited anterior translation
• Ribs/Thorax: limited ribcage elevation

(Left = initial assessment; Right = end of session 1)

Interpret:

In this example we can see a bracing pattern through the body as the athlete subconsciously tries to protect against lengthening anteriorly and shortening posteriorly. The overhead reach movement should feel like the body glides forward and creates length in the anterior chain without creating compression pain and stiffness in the lumbar or thoracic spine.

Do:

The exercises we used to address these deficiencies i.e. improve anterior lengthening and pelvic translation plus rib-cage elevation, were as follows:

Supine Breathing and Pelvic Tilt > Watch
Articulated Cat Camel > Watch
Seated Flexion and Extension > Watch
Standing Co Contraction and OH Reach > Watch

Summary

The role of the eFMS is to provide early insights into a client’s movement patterns, revealing how thoughtless or fearless they are during controlled movements. It serves as the starting point for identifying root causes and developing a roadmap for restoring movement, promoting recovery, and ultimately enhancing performance.

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