Strength and functional symmetry is associated with post-operative rehabilitation in patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

IV.

Alarming underutilisation of rehabilitation in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: four ways to change the game

“…And the rehabilitation clinician might be the central player in this trifecta 1. Almost a year after ACLR, the key criteria3 of >90% quadriceps strength and single hop performance were met by 31% and 53% of undertreated athletes, respectively 1. In comparison, 79% and 89% met these criteria after evidence-based rehabilitation in the USA 4.…”

“…Alarming underutilisation of rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) was highlighted in a recent study 1. These Australian trends are not unique, but support the emerging realisation that athletes may be overtreated with ACLR surgery, but undertreated when it comes to rehabilitation.…”

“…Among non-elite athletes with ACLR, only 5% received rehabilitation1 that followed evidence-based guidelines2: ≥6 months’ rehabilitation, including agility and landing exercises, and a structured return to sport (RTS). Most athletes were undertreated: 45% (50 of 111) never saw a clinician after the third postoperative month and 70% (78 of 111) never did agility or landing exercises 1.…”

“…Most athletes were undertreated: 45% (50 of 111) never saw a clinician after the third postoperative month and 70% (78 of 111) never did agility or landing exercises 1. When clinical practice does not follow evidence-based guidelines, we are not offering the best to our athletes.…”

ACL injuries: the secret probably lies in optimising rehabilitation

“…It is time we translated evidence-based rehabilitation programmes into clinical practice. There is an alarming underutilisation of rehabilitation, with 45% of community-level athletes discontinuing supervised rehabilitation by 3 months post-ACLR 7. Achievement of physical resilience before return-to-sport is unlikely and may be a key contributor to failed return-to-sport with or without surgery.…”