The Sports Medicine and Athletic Training (SMAT) Department at Missouri State University has had a busy summer and is excited to offer many new opportunities to students this upcoming school year including participation in a new FMS affiliation agreement.   As of last year, SMAT has now signed an affiliation agreement with Functional Movement Systems (FMS).

Put simply, the Functional Movement Screen (a component of the Functional Movement System) is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns that are key to normal function. By screening these patterns, the FMS readily identifies functional limitations and asymmetries. These are issues that can reduce the effects of functional training and physical conditioning and distort body awareness.  From http://www.functionalmovement.com/fms

To students in the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at MSU, the FMS affiliation agreement means these students will have access to the self study, certification completion, and kit at a reduced price.

In preparing for the FMS affiliation agreement to begin, the SMAT faculty felt strongly that they wanted to become more educated in this system.  Therefore, this summer, Dr. Tona Hetzler and Kristin Tivener both completed the FMS self-study and passed the certification exam!  Both are now Level 1, Certified FMS Professionals!!

Dr. Tona Hetzler explains that earning this Certification was important to her because “we are putting out a product and need to make sure we are educated on it.  By completing this certification, we are modeling professional leadership to our students by investing time and resources in what we believe in.”  This directly aligns with the leadership component of the MSAT Program.

Other SMAT faculty have plans to complete FMS certifications in the near future. 

Dr. Allan Liggett, Clinical Coordinator for the SMAT Program has been FMS certified since 2010 and in addition has completed an advanced SFMA Course.  Allan explains that in his dual role at Healthtracks and at MSU, the FMS affiliation agreement presents some exciting opportunities.  “I apply the FMS/SFMA in clinical practice and have seen the positive effect it has had on the practice and my patients.  It is exciting to be able to bring those things I practice into the classroom setting so that knowledge will now benefit future clinicians.”

The SMAT faculty and staff are excited about the education and certifications that have been completed this summer and look forward to further educate AT students on the Functional Movement Screen and working with the Functional Movement System group!