Preseason Perceived Physical Capability and Previous Injury.
BACKGROUND
Patient opinion about the ability to perform athletic maneuvers is important after injury; however, prospective assessment of self-perceived physical capability for athletes before the beginning of a season is lacking.


OBJECTIVE
To perform a descriptive analysis of knee, shoulder, and elbow self-perceived measures of physical capability specific to athletics and to compare the measures between athletes with and without a history of injury.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Preparticipation physical examinations.


METHODS
A total of 738 collegiate athletes (486 men, 251 women; age = 19 ± 1 years) were administered questionnaires after receiving medical clearance to participate in their sports. Of those athletes, 350 reported a history of injury.


METHODS
Athletes self-reported a history of knee, shoulder, or elbow injury. Perceived physical capability of the 3 joints was evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Sport and Recreation Function and Knee-Related Quality of Life subscales and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Score. We conducted nonparametric analysis to determine if scores differed between athletes with and without a history of injury.


RESULTS
Median values for the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Sports and Recreation Function and Knee-Related Quality of Life subscales and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Score for all athletes were 100. Median values for perceived physical capability of athletes with a history of injury were 3 to 12 points lower for each questionnaire before the start of the season (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Our study provided descriptive values for individual perceived knee, shoulder, and elbow physical capability of collegiate athletes participating in 19 sports. Athletes who did not report previous injuries perceived their physical capabilities to be nearly perfect, which could set the goal for these athletes to return to participation after injury. Athletes reporting previous injuries perceived less physical capability before the competitive season. Self-assessment of joint-specific capability may supplement preseason physical examinations, identifying particular athletes needing further monitoring or care during a season.
Shoulder Center of Kentucky, Lexington.
Aaron
A
Sciascia
University of Kentucky, Lexington.
Lauren E
LE
Haegele
University of Kentucky, Lexington.
Jean
J
Lucas
Division of Athletic Training, Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington.
Timothy L
TL
Uhl
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D010808:Physical Examination; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D057566:Self Report; D012647:Self-Assessment; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Score; Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score; subjective outcomes