Reliability of Upper Extremity Functional Performance Tests for the Non-overhead Athlete

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Limited consensus exists on the reliability of upper extremity functional performance tests (UEFPT) across genders.
• Previous reliability studies on UEFPT have complicating factors hindering definitive conclusions.
• Assessing UEFPT reliability in a single cohort allows for direct comparison of relative and absolute reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the test-retest reliability of the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST), seated medicine ball chest pass test (SMBCPT), and hands-release push-up test (HRPUT) in males and females with a history of non-overhead sport participation.
• To examine the associations between the three selected UEFPT.
• To provide reliable assessment tools for clinical and return-to-sport decision-making.

Main Methods:

• A single cohort study design was employed to assess test-retest reliability.
• Forty adults (20 females, 20 males) with a history of non-overhead sport participation participated in the study.
• Three UEFPT were administered across two sessions, 3-7 days apart, with measures of systematic bias, absolute reliability, and relative reliability computed.

Main Results:

• All three UEFPT demonstrated excellent relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.823).
• Coefficients of variation were below 8.8% for all tests, except for the HRPUT in males.
• A significant relationship was found between the CKCUEST and SMBCPT in females (r=.691, p=0.001), with no other significant associations between tests.

Conclusions:

• The CKCUEST, SMBCPT, and HRPUT all exhibit sufficient reliability for clinical use.
• These UEFPT are suitable for serial assessments to monitor patient progress during rehabilitation.
• The findings support the use of these UEFPT in return-to-sport decision-making criteria.