Defining and Measuring Functional Limitations and Disability in the Athletic Shoulder
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Objective:
To define, identify, and briefly describe functional outcome measures for assessing functional limitations and disability in athletes with shoulder conditions.
Data Sources:
The MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched for English-language articles published from 1982 to 2000, using the terms functional outcomes, shoulder, questionnaires, disability, and functional limitations, among others.
Study Selection:
The authors identified disease-specific self-report questionnaires that assess functional limitations and disability in patients with shoulder dysfunction.
Data Synthesis:
When describing outcome measures, the authors considered the items to be assessed, the measurement properties, and the practicality of the test. They categorized the available measures designed to assess patients with shoulder instability or general shoulder conditions.
Conclusions:
The ability to define and measure function is a fundamental consideration in managing athletes with shoulder dysfunction. The measures described might be useful in assessing functional limitations and disability in such athletes.
Keskula is with the Dept of Physical Therapy, and Lott, with the Center for Sports Medicine, at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta GA, 30912.
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