025 - Movement Literacy in the Firehouse: Fix the Pattern Before It Becomes a Problem
Auto-Generated Doesn’t Mean Auto-Pilot: Firefighter Movement Just Got Smarter
One test. One app. One massive upgrade in performance readiness.
Injuries aren’t just bad luck—they’re patterns. And for firefighters, those patterns often start with movement quality.
This pilot study tested whether automated, app-based corrective exercise programming (via the FMS™PRO App) could improve movement literacy among firefighters with FMS™ scores of 13 or less (below the injury risk threshold). The result?
A 40% improvement in composite movement scores after 6–9 months, without changing their existing fitness routine.
What They Did
Assessed 110 full-time firefighters using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™)
Isolated 11 at-risk individuals (≤13/21 FMS™ score)
Delivered auto-generated corrective programs via the app—completed ~3x/week before workouts
Followed up nearly 9 months later to reassess
What They Found
FMS™ composite scores jumped from 11.2 → 15.6
Deep squat, hurdle step, shoulder mobility, and rotary stability all improved significantly
All this happened without extra coaching or added time commitment
The improvements exceeded the minimum detectable change (2.5 points)—proving it wasn’t just noise.
Tactical Takeaways
Low-Tech, High Impact
You don’t need full-time coaching to make measurable gains. Personalized automation works—if it’s built right.
Front-Load Precision
Auto-generated doesn’t mean generic. These programs were based on each firefighter’s exact test results, and that’s what made them stick.
Fit It Into the Routine
No added sessions. Just 20–30 minutes before your usual workout. Efficiency meets outcomes.
Stay Thick.
Kolber MJ, Hanney WJ. The effect of auto-generated corrective exercise programming on movement literacy among firefighters: a pilot study. Physiother Theory Pract. 2025;41(3):490-496. doi:10.1080/09593985.2024.2341259