Clinical Gait Analysis Standards - GUIDE TO CMAS ACCREDITATION

Oct 2, 2026

Uploaded by Aurelia

Guide for laboratories considering CMAS accreditation for movement analysis services across the UK and Ireland, based on CMAS standards Version 13 (April 2019). Defines seven key areas of the standards and explains how accreditation works through external audits, non-conformance reporting, and continual improvement. Lists minimum documentation and records, including purpose, staff and equipment logs, test protocols, patient evidence, calibration/inspection records, and a master protocol list. Provides advice on selecting tests and realistic accreditation timescales, including internal auditing and external audit preparation, along with fee and contact pointers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Overview of the standards

3. Minimum requirements

4. Choosing your tests

5. Timescales

6. Accreditation fees

7. Internal auditors

8. Requirement for Internal Audit (before accreditation process begins)

9. Partner laboratories – Buddy Arrangement

10. Contact information

Clinical Movement Analysis Society – UK and Ireland Clinical Gait Analysis Standards GUIDE TO CMAS ACCREDITATION Contents 1. Introduction ....................................................................................................... 2 2. Overview of the standards ................................................................................... 2 3. Minimum requirements ........................................................................................ 2 4. Choosing your tests............................................................................................. 3 5. Timescales ......................................................................................................... 3 6. Accreditation fees ............................................................................................... 3 7. Internal auditors ................................................................................................. 4 8. Requirement for Internal Audit (before accreditation process begins) ......................4 9. Partner laboratories – Buddy Arrangement ............................................................4 10. Contact information............................................................................................. 5 1. Introduction This guide provides introductory information for laboratories that are considering applying for CMAS accreditation. It is based on Version 13 of the CMAS standards (April 2019) . The standards are updated annually so some requirements may change in future versions. 2. Overview of the standards The CMAS standards aim to promote quality in the provision of movement analysis services in laboratories across the UK and Ireland. The standards have seven key areas: • Resources and facilities • Referral management • Data collection • Data & report management • Document control • Audit • Accreditation CMAS accreditation requires movement analysis laboratories to implement their own procedures, processes and records in accordance with the CMAS standards. A statement of purpose form clearly defines the scope of work. Facilities, equipment, staffing, testing and reporting capabilities must be consistent with those aims. Accredited laboratories are subject to external audits conducted by representatives from other laboratories to check for compliance. Issues identified during audits are raised as non-conformances with agreed action plans for resolution. CMAS does not expect laboratories to be perfect but they must demonstrate non-conformances are being addressed with continual improvement. The standards are freely available on request from CMAS at [standards@cmasuki.org](standards@cmasuki.org). 3. Minimum requirements The minimum requirements to comply with the CMAS standards are: • A statement of purpose form • Logs containing details of o Staff members and internal auditors o Equipment • For each test performed: o Data collection, data processing and reporting protocols o Data collection and processing recording methods (i.e. forms) o Staff repeatability records if the test requires clinical or technical judgement o Normative data if appropriate • Patient records (providing evidence of completed recording methods and reports) o In order for external audits to be completed in full, it is required that the lab have assessed at least 6 patients before the 1st external audit (Note: up to 6 randomly selected sets of patients records can be required during one audit and must be in place before an audit can be conducted) . • Calibration or inspection records for key equipment • Internal and external audit records • A master list of all protocols and forms Accreditation requires successful completion of two external audits. To re-iterate, success does not mean a perfect pass with no non-conformances, rather that non-conformances are being appropriately resolved. 4. Choosing your tests

FAQs

What is CMAS accreditation intended to ensure for movement analysis laboratories?

It promotes quality in movement analysis services by requiring laboratories to implement procedures, processes, and records in accordance with the CMAS standards, aligned to their stated scope of work.

What are the minimum requirements a laboratory must have to comply with the CMAS standards?

Requirements include a statement of purpose, relevant logs (staff/internal auditors and equipment), protocols and recording methods for each test, staff repeatability records when judgement is involved, patient records evidence, calibration/inspection records, internal and external audit records, and a master list of protocols and forms.

How long does it typically take to achieve accreditation starting from scratch, and what must be done before the first external audit?

A realistic timescale is around 12 months, including establishing working practices and evidence of an effective internal audit cycle. At least one full internal audit must be completed and reviewed by CMAS before scheduling an external audit.

Oct 2, 2026

Uploaded by Aurelia