Objective and subjective measures to guide upper extremity return to sport testing: A modified Delphi survey

Objective: To identify which subjective and objective tests do content experts utilize to help guide return to sport (RTS) decision making for an athlete after an upper extremity (UE) injury?

Methods: A modified Delphi survey was utilized, including content experts in UE rehabilitation. Survey items were identified based on a literature review identifying current best evidence and practice for UE RTS decision making. Content experts (n = 52) were identified, having a minimum of 10 years of experience with rehabilitation of UE athletic injuries, and 5 years of experience using an UE RTS algorithm to guide decision making.

Results: Expert consensus was achieved on a combination of tests utilized within an UE RTS algorithm: 1. Tissue healing time frame is an important consideration in RTS decision making; 2. Patient reported outcome measures should be utilized specifically, DASH and NPRS 3. Strength is measured by handheld dynamometer and is an important consideration. 4. ROM should be utilized and is an important consideration. 5. Physical performance tests utilized include: Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability test, Seated shot-put test and lower extremity/core tests.

Conclusions: This survey reached expert consensus on which subjective and objective measures to utilize to evaluate RTS readiness after UE injury.