LATERAL SCAPULAR SLIDE TEST (LSST)

​TEST POSITIONING

Position 1: The client stands with arms relaxed at the sides.

Position 2: The client stands with hands on the hips and shoulders in 10 degrees of extension.

Position 3: The client stands with shoulders abducted to 90 degrees and maximally internally rotated.

ACTION

Position 1: The therapist measures the distance from the interior angle of the scapula (involved side) to the spinous process of the thoracic vertebra in the same horizontal plane (this vertebra will be used as the reference vertebra for all three positions).

This is repeated on the uninvolved side.

The difference between sides is used for the objective assessment.

Position 2: Repeat the same action as in Position 1.

Position 3: Repeat the same action as in Position 1.

POSITIVE FINDING

A side-to-side difference of >1.5 centimeters is considered a positive LSST, indicating scapular asymmetry secondary to weakness of the scapular stabilizers.

CONSIDERATIONS & COMMENTS

The reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of this test in assessing/predicting shoulder dysfunction have been questioned.

Because this test is considered a semi-dynamic test only, it may not accurately assess the stabilizing strength of the scapular muscles.

It may more accurately assess general asymmetries, leading the clinician to further assess the underlying cause of these asymmetries (eg, motor control, or lack there of, inflexibilities, thoracic spine/postural deviations, etc.).