There is a lack of consensus surrounding implementation of upper extremity (UE) return to sport testing in the rehabilitation process. Previously conducted research encourages clinicians to utilize a return to sport battery or functional testing algorithm for this purpose; however, components of the algorithm or battery are not standardized. Additionally, a variety of physical performance tests are introduced each year with variable psychometric properties and ecological validity which can further cloud the decision making process when working with an overhead athlete.
Our executive committee composed of myself, Marisa Pontillo PT PhD DPT SCS, George Davies DPT, MED, PT, SCS, ATC, LAT, CSCS, PES, CSMS, FAPTA and Eric Bellm PT, DPT, OCS have developed a modified Delphi study to gather expert opinion and establish consensus regarding the components of UE return to sport testing. This study has received approval from the Institutional Review Board through the University of Rochester.
You have been invited to participate in this modified Delphi study as our team believes you will meet the following inclusion criteria:
● Must have at least 10 years of clinical experience in treating UE athletic injuries
● Must have 5 years of clinical experience with return to sport decision making
If you meet the criteria and are willing to participate, you will join the panel of clinicians participating in the survey.
Participation in this study is voluntary. Any information you provide will be confidential and published results will not be identifiable. Return of the completed survey implies your consent to participate in the study.
The survey uses a modified Delphi technique consisting of 2-4 questionnaires. Each subsequent questionnaire will be modified based on previous responses. Questionnaires will vary in length, but could take up to15 minutes to complete. There are no right and wrong answers to these questions; for this modified Delphi study, we are seeking your expert opinion. We ask that you are honest with your answers as they will be anonymous.
If you meet the inclusion criteria and agree to participate, please use the following link to complete the initial survey by: July 9, 2021.
We thank you for your time, and sincerely hope you will agree to participate in this unique study.
Patrick Barber PT DPT SCS
Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy Centennial Scholar
