Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Practice Test

The core muscles, including the abdominals, play a critical role in trunk stability tests. These tests are designed to assess the ability of the core to maintain proper alignment and stability of the spine and pelvis during various movements. The abdominal muscles, along with the obliques and transverse abdominis, are essential for stabilizing the trunk, providing support during dynamic movements, and preventing excessive movement or compensation from other areas of the body.

A strong and stable core is necessary not only for balance and proprioception but also for generating and transferring forces effectively during physical activities. In trunk stability assessments, the focus is specifically on how these muscles engage and activate to maintain stability, which is why they are directly identified as the primary contributors to this aspect of functional movement.