MES Functional Movement & Mobility Assessment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which functional movement screen score indicates a notable movement dysfunction requiring corrective exercise before loading?
- Score of 3
- Score of 2
- Score of 1 (Correct answer)
- Score of 0
Correct answer: Score of 1
A score of 1 on the FMS means the client could not perform the movement pattern correctly, signaling a dysfunction needing correction before adding load.
Question 2: The Thomas Test assesses flexibility of which muscle group?
- Hamstrings and gastrocnemius
- Hip flexors (iliopsoas and rectus femoris) (Correct answer)
- Gluteus maximus and external rotators
- Tibialis anterior and peroneals
Correct answer: Hip flexors (iliopsoas and rectus femoris)
The Thomas Test stretches the hip into extension while stabilizing the pelvis; failure to fully extend indicates hip flexor tightness.
Question 3: Which movement impairment does knee valgus during a squat most commonly indicate?
- Ankle plantar flexor tightness only
- Weak hip abductors and external rotators combined with possible foot pronation (Correct answer)
- Excessive lumbar lordosis
- Tight hip flexors
Correct answer: Weak hip abductors and external rotators combined with possible foot pronation
Knee valgus during squatting typically reflects weak hip abductors/external rotators that fail to control femoral adduction and internal rotation.
Question 4: The overhead squat assessment reveals excessive forward lean. Which muscle group is most likely overactive and should be inhibited?
- Gluteus maximus
- Soleus and gastrocnemius (calf complex) (Correct answer)
- Tibialis anterior
- Hip abductors
Correct answer: Soleus and gastrocnemius (calf complex)
Tight calves restrict ankle dorsiflexion, forcing the torso to lean forward during the overhead squat to maintain balance.
Question 5: Which assessment tool uses reaching distances in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral) to evaluate dynamic balance and ankle stability?
- Berg Balance Scale
- Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) (Correct answer)
- Romberg Test
- Timed Up and Go Test
Correct answer: Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)
The Star Excursion Balance Test challenges single-leg balance while reaching in multiple directions, assessing neuromuscular control and ankle stability.
Question 6: Decreased ankle dorsiflexion range of motion is most likely to contribute to which compensatory movement pattern?
- Excessive hip extension
- Heel rise and forward trunk lean during squatting (Correct answer)
- Lateral pelvic tilt
- Shoulder elevation during overhead pressing
Correct answer: Heel rise and forward trunk lean during squatting
Restricted ankle dorsiflexion prevents the tibia from moving over the foot, causing the heel to rise and the trunk to lean forward to maintain balance.
MES Functional Movement & Mobility Assessment 1
Which functional movement screen score indicates a notable movement dysfunction requiring corrective exercise before loading?