Reference Values for the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) for Collegiate Baseball...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) is utilized in clinical settings to monitor rehabilitation progress for upper extremity injuries.
• Establishing normative data for the CKCUEST is essential for effective clinical application and goal setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine reference values for the CKCUEST in male collegiate baseball players.
• To assess if CKCUEST performance varies by playing position.
• To aid clinicians in setting rehabilitation objectives for injured athletes.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-seven male collegiate baseball players (ages 18-22) with no recent upper extremity injuries participated.
• The CKCUEST was administered three times to each participant, measuring touches within 15 seconds.
• An average score from the three trials was used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in CKCUEST scores were found based on playing position.
• The collected data followed a normal distribution, allowing for the calculation of reference values.
• Reference values for the CKCUEST were successfully calculated and reported for this specific population.

Conclusions:

• The CKCUEST demonstrates clinical utility for assessing upper extremity function in male collegiate baseball players.
• The established reference values can assist clinicians in tailoring rehabilitation programs and tracking patient progress.
• The test is a valuable tool for evaluating functional recovery following upper extremity injuries in athletes.