Final answer:
The functional movement screen assesses various aspects of muscle and joint function including the intrinsic muscles of the back and neck, as well as the abdominal and thoracic muscles, through a range of specific exercises and coordination tests such as rapid, alternating movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functional movement screen (FMS) involves various exercises to assess the strength, stability, and mobility of different body parts. When looking for exercises that identify the movement and function of the intrinsic skeletal muscles of the back and neck, and the skeletal muscles of the abdominal wall and thorax, we consider activities that target these core areas. Additionally, tests such as rapid, alternating movements assess coordination and fine motor control, which are governed by the cerebellum and are critical components of functional movement screening.
- Identifying intrinsic muscle function in the back and neck generally involves observing range of motion, strength, and the presence of any abnormal or compensatory movements.
- Assessing the muscles of the abdominal wall and thorax may include evaluating movements like twisting, bending, and stabilizing actions that are essential for core strength.
- Rapid, alternating movements are specifically important for assessing the neuromuscular aspects of motor control and coordination, such as finger-to-thumb tapping, heel-to-shin tests, and diadochokinesis speech tests (lah-kah-pah).