The CISMA Scapulothoracic Assessment System (SAS) is the flagship project of the CISMA initiative. Below are some details of the background to the project.
Development of the CISMA SAS involves several stages, as outlined below:
CISMA SAS: stage 1
Identify if there is a need for a unified approach to describing and recording scapulothoracic position and movement in the clinical setting:
A questionnaire was issued at the British Elbow and Shoulder Society (BESS) scientific conference in June 2008. Data from this provided evidence that:
- Scapulothoracic position and movement is considered highly relevant by expert shoulder clinicians (Surgeon and Therapist)
- Visual observation and descriptive terminology is currently the dominant method used clinically.
- There is a lack of consensus amongst clinicians as to the terminology used and its application.
CISMA SAS: stage 2
Identify what terminology is used in the published literature to describe scapulothoracic position and movement:
- A review of the published literature pertaining to scapulothoracic position and movement has been undertaken. From this a list of scapulothoracic position and movement descriptors have been compiled.
What happened next?
- Shoulder professionals have been invited to participate in developing a unified approach to describing and recording scapulothoracic position and movement in the clinical setting
CISMA SAS: stage 3
Establish a consensus from the shoulder community as to the scapulothoracic position and movement descriptors which are most clinically relevant and how they are applied clinically:
- Via CISMA clinicians and academics have been asked to provide their opinions on the clinical relevance, definition and application of the scapulothoracic position and movement descriptors.
CISMA SAS: stage 4
The provisional version of the CISMA SAS has been established by combination of review of published literature (stage 2) and opinions of clinicians and academics (stage 3).
CISMA members can now access the SAS and training suite on line; and provide their feedback on the usability and relevance of the SAS.
I'm interested in joining the CISMA initiative. What should I do now?
Please click on the frequently asked questions (FAQ) page which provides further details. You can then click on the Sign Up page to join CISMA.
