Rehabilitation duration and time of starting sport-related activities associated with return to the previous level of sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine predictors for return to previous level of sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). DesignCross-sectional; SettingAthletic teams. ParticipantsNinety-one athletes who had ACLR with hamstring-tendon autograft within 1–5 years participated in this study. Athletes indicated their sport participation levels, injury profile, rehabilitation duration, and time to start sport-related activities (running, cutting-pivoting) after ACLR. Athletes answered whether they returned to the same previous level of frequency, duration, and intensity of sports. Main outcome measuresAthletes’ characteristics, injury and surgical factors, duration of post-operative rehabilitation program, and time to start sport-related activities after ACLR were evaluated by univariate logistic regression to determine predictors for return to previous level of sports. ResultsNine athletes (10%) returned to their self-described previous level of sports. Predictors for returning to previous level of sports were rehabilitation duration >4 months (OR:6.78; p = .011), time to start running ≤4 months (OR:8.62; p = .047) and cutting-pivoting <6 months after surgery (OR:5.02; p = .030). ConclusionLonger post-operative rehabilitation duration and time to start sport-related activities after ACLR predicted return to previous level of sports. Spending adequate time in post-operative rehabilitation program and time-based resumption of sports-related activities after ACLR might be key factors for returning to previous sports level.