Representation of Functioning in Indian Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation Research: An ICF-Informed Scoping Review

Background Shoulder pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions managed in rehabilitation practice and is associated with substantial pain, disability, work limitations, and reduced quality of life. Contemporary rehabilitation emphasizes functioning as a multidimensional construct encompassing body functions, body structures, activities, participation, and contextual factors, as conceptualized by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Although rehabilitation research in India has increased considerably over the past two decades, it remains unclear whether published studies comprehensively represent functioning or predominantly focus on impairment-based outcomes. Mapping the functioning concepts addressed in Indian rehabilitation research may identify evidence gaps and inform future development of contextually relevant outcome assessment and rehabilitation research. Expected Contribution This review will provide the first comprehensive mapping of functioning represented in Indian shoulder pain rehabilitation research using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The findings will identify gaps in the current evidence base, inform selection and development of culturally relevant rehabilitation outcome measures, and support implementation of functioning-centred rehabilitation research aligned with WHO Rehabilitation 2030.