Year: 2025 | Month: November | Volume: 15 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 110-115
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20251115
Development and Content Validation of a Structured Exercise Program for Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
Reshma Gurav1, Prof. Bhavana Mhatre2
1Physiotherapy Specialist, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
PhD Scholar, PT School and Centre, Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.
2Professor (Contract), PT School and Centre, Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.
Corresponding Author: Reshma Gurav
ABSTRACT
Background: Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) is marked by structural impairments of rotator cuff tendon pathology and altered scapulothoracic kinematics, which contribute to functional limitations in upper limb activity and participation in society. These are influenced by contextual factors mainly environmental, personal and social factors. Inconsistencies in clinical approaches and variability in outcomes warrant a critical evaluation of the current evidence and identification
of future directions. The aim of this study was to to develop and validate a structured, evidence-based exercise program for SAIS that integrates diagnosing structural impairments, identifying contextual influences and the tissue healing phase to optimize outcomes through a novel and tailor-made rehabilitation approach.
Methods: The exercise program was structured in progressive phase based on the three stages of tissue healing. The aim was to improve the health and performance related fitness of the rotator cuff tendons along with the structural impairments of the scapulothoracic mechanisms of the shoulder complex and cervical and thoracic areas. A panel of 10 experts in musculoskeletal physiotherapy was recruited to assess the content validity of the exercise protocol. A 4-point Likert scale was used, and the content validity index and ratio were calculated.
Results: The overall content validity of the structured exercise program was evaluated using the Item-Level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and the Scale-Level Content Validity Index, Average method (S-CVI/Ave). The S-CVI/Ave was calculated by averaging the I-CVI scores across the six assessed domains. The I-CVI values ranged from 0.87 to 1.00, resulting in an overall S-CVI/Ave of 0.94, indicating excellent content validity for the entire protocol.
Conclusion: The structured exercise program for SAIS demonstrated strong content validity, supporting its excellent clinical applicability. This validated structured exercise protocol can be used in further phases of research to evaluate its effectiveness and feasibility in clinical settings.
Key words: Subacromial Impingement Syndrome, Exercise Therapy, Content Validity, Rehabilitation, Shoulder Pain