USE OF AN UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTIONAL TESTING ALGORITHM TO DETERMINE RETURN TO PLAY READINESS IN COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL PLAYERS: A CASE SERIES
Marisa Pontillo, Brian J. Sennett, Eric James Valentine Bellm
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Return to play decision making for upper extremity injuries is challenging due to a lack of evidence-based protocols and testing. Current guidelines utilize tests and measures with minimal evidence on re-injury risks and prediction. The purpose of this case series is to highlight a functional testing algorithm for upper extremities injuries and the outcomes for the patients that followed it. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: Six subjects (18 - 21 years old) who underwent shoulder capsulolabral repair secondary to recurrent instability and/or unyielding pain are included. All subjects underwent a criterion-based rehabilitation program before being assessed with the authors' upper extremity functional testing algorithm. The upper extremity functional testing algorithm consists of measures of active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM), peak isometric force, a fatigue testing battery, and the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST) to assess readiness for return to sport. OUTCOMES: All athletes achieved > 90% symmetry on at least two out of three tests during a fatigue testing protocol and at least 25 touches on the CKCUEST. All of the athletes returned to unrestricted football the season following surgical intervention. None of the athletes sustained an additional glenohumeral subluxation, dislocation, or upper extremity injury requiring surgical intervention for the remainder of their athletic careers (six years). DISCUSSION: The presented cases help to illustrate the effectiveness of the upper extremity functional testing algorithm to assess return to sport readiness for male collegiate football athletes. The algorithm included testing of AROM/PROM and strength that is typically used, but also included the CKCUEST and fatigue testing to further challenge and assess the upper extremity prior to returning to sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.