Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment

Objective

The CMSA is a screening and assessment tool utilized to measure physical impairment and disability of an individual following a stroke. The CMSA consists of two inventories. First is the Impairment Inventory, which assesses 6 domains (shoulder pain, postural control and arm, hand, leg and foot movement). Each domain is scored on a 7-point scale (Stage 1 through 7, with 1 most impairment and 7 normal). Second is the Activity Inventory, formerly Disability Inventory, which assesses gross motor and walking function. There are 15 items and is scored on a 7-point scale (1 through 7, complete dependence to independent, respectively).

Purpose

The CMSA has three overall purposes:
1. Stage motor recovery to classify individuals in terms of clinical characteristics
2. Predict rehabilitation outcomes
3. Measure clinically important change in physical function

Intended Population

The CMSA was initially developed for the assessment of patients with stroke, its application has been more widely demonstrated, specifically for the Activity Inventory.

Methods of Use

Users of the CMSA should read the manual prior to administration for the measures and be familiar with relevant administration, scoring and interpretation. No special training is required.

Administration

Physical Setting, Environment and Clothing

• Ensure patient feels comfortable and at ease during administration of assessment
• Distractions kept to a minimum
• Testing room should be comfortable warm and large enough to accommodate a low plinth (large enough to allow patient to roll from supine to sidelying), floor mat and wheelchair
• Access to full flight of stairs and outdoors required for Activity Inventory
• Patients should wear comfortable clothing (i.e., shorts and tank top) exposing knees and elbows
• During testing of shoulder pain, shoulder region should be free of clothing
• Shoes and orthoses not worn during Physical Impairment Inventory, but worn for Activity Inventory

Equipment

All equipment should be assembled ahead of time.

• Foot stool
• Pillows
• 2 meter line marked on the floor
• Chair with armrest
• Adjustable table
• Plastic measuring cup (250 ml)
• Wide, low plinth
• Stop watch
• Floor mat
• Ball, 6.5 cm (2.5 in) in diameter
• 1 liter plastic pitcher with water