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Development of a rugby shoulder function (RSF) questionnaire: An online Delphi study
Richard Partner1, Jason Tee2, Josh Darrall-Jones3
1Musculoskeletal Health Research Group, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom; Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Summary
A new 22-item questionnaire was developed to monitor rugby players' perceived shoulder function and symptoms. This tool aids in assessing shoulder performance and dysfunction in athletes through expert consensus.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Shoulder injuries are prevalent in rugby players.
- Accurate monitoring of shoulder function is crucial for athlete well-being and performance.
- Existing tools may not fully capture the nuances of perceived shoulder dysfunction in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing player-perceived shoulder function and dysfunction.
- To create a tool specifically for monitoring symptoms and performance in rugby players.
Main Methods:
- A 3-stage online Delphi study was conducted.
- Involved a diverse group of experts including surgeons, sports medics, researchers, coaches, therapists, and athletes.
- Consensus was reached through iterative rating and ranking of constructs and items.
Main Results:
- The initial 42 items and four constructs (Activities of daily living, Range of motion, Strength and conditioning, Sports specific training and competition) were refined.
- Through expert consensus, a final 22-item questionnaire was developed.
- The process ensured items reflected perceived importance and achieved high agreement.
Conclusions:
- A novel four-construct, 22-item questionnaire, the Rugby Shoulder Function (RSF) questionnaire, has been successfully developed.
- This tool is suitable for monitoring perceived shoulder performance and symptoms in rugby players.
- The Delphi methodology ensured expert and practitioner input for a robust outcome.
