An 8-week physiotherapist-led return to sport group program after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction improves measures of physical and psychological function: A case series

Adam Walker*, Larissa Sattler, Samuel Heyward, Jordan Tedesco, Zachariah Jones, Corey D'Lima, Caroline Higham, Sophie Cuthbert, Wayne A Hing

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Background:
Low return to competitive sport, high reinjury rates and long-term functional impairment of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) present significant challenges for patients. A program that facilitates a safe return to sport (RTS) following ACLR could potentially improve outcomes.

Study design:
Case Series.

Methods:
Sixty participants (median 20-years-old (13–36), 43 males, 18 females, median 7.5 months (4–25) post-ACLR) completed an eight-week exercise program. A battery of physical tests and patient-reported outcome measures were assessed pre and post-program. The number of participants passing RTS criteria was evaluated, and RTS rates were determined. The correlation between the ACL-RSI and measures of physical function was explored.

Results:
Improvements in all isometric strength, hop tests, running T-test, and patient reported outcome measures were seen post-program. Five (8%) participants successfully passed all RTS criteria and eighty-five percent of participants returned to their previous level of sport. The ACL-RSI and the IKDC showed correlation across all time points (pre rs = 0.49; post rs = 0.40; change r = 0.40).

Conclusions:
Our study demonstrated improvements in all RTS criteria tests upon completing the 8-week rehabilitation program; however, few participants (8%) passed all RTS criteria. Psychological readiness is more closely related to patient-reported function than functional tests.
Original languageEnglish
Article number103149
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalMusculoskeletal Science and Practice
Volume73
Early online date19 Jul 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2024

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