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SST
(Simple Shoulder Test)
Focus:
The Simple Shoulder Test (SST) focuses on assessing a patient’s ability to perform functional tasks using their shoulder, providing a quick, effective measure of shoulder capability and limitation. It is widely used across pre- and post-treatment settings to evaluate functional progress in patients with shoulder disorders.
The SST is a validated and widely used patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) consisting of straightforward yes/no questions that reflect real-world shoulder function. Its simplicity and clinical relevance make it a practical tool in both surgical and conservative treatment pathways.
Relevant Survey:
- Body Part: Shoulder
- Area Of Focus: Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Disorders, Arthritis, Impingement, Post-Operative Recovery
The SST is frequently used by orthopedic specialists, sports medicine clinicians, and rehabilitation professionals to understand how shoulder symptoms impact essential functions. It enables progress tracking and supports treatment evaluation by focusing directly on the patient’s reported experience of task-specific capability.
Description:
The Simple Shoulder Test is a focused PROM that assesses a patient’s ability to perform specific shoulder-related tasks, such as lifting, reaching overhead, or sleeping on the affected side. It captures functional limitations in a binary yes/no format, offering quick and meaningful insights into patient progress. SST is widely used across pre- and post-treatment settings to evaluate recovery and functional return.
Use Cases:
- Primary Use: Measures the presence or absence of functional abilities related to shoulder mobility and strength.
- Target Conditions: Rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, shoulder instability, osteoarthritis, labral injuries.
- Post-Surgery Assessment: Evaluates real-life functional improvement after shoulder arthroscopy, reconstruction, or replacement.
- Other Applicable Patients: Those receiving non-operative care including physical therapy, injections, or conservative orthopedic management.
Number Of Questions: 12
See an example of the SPADI in the SolvEdge platform by watching the video below:
Click here to view the questionnaire.
Questionnaire Survey Consists of:
The SAPDI includes 13 questions, grouped into 2 subscales:
Pain Subscale (5 items)
Assesses the intensity of pain during specific shoulder movements and activities:
- At rest
- During lifting
- Reaching
- Touching the back
- Carrying weight
Disability Subscale (8 items)
The Simple Shoulder Test (SST) includes 12 functional yes/no questions such as:
- Can you place your hand behind your head?
- Can you place a coin on a shelf at shoulder level
- Can you carry 20 pounds at your side?
- Can you sleep comfortably on your affected side?
- Can you wash the back of your opposite shoulder?
Each “yes” response indicates functional ability, with higher totals reflecting better shoulder performance. It’s easy to administer and interpret, making it a favored tool in busy clinical environments.
