The Impact of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear on Player Performance and Longevity in La Liga League Soccer Players

Abstract

AbstractAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is among the most studied sports injuries. We investigate the impact of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) on performance and longevity in La Liga to elucidate performance parameters impacted after surgery in professional soccer players and variables impacting return-to-play (RTP).Demographic and performance data for La Liga players with ACLR between 1993 and 2020 were collected three seasons before and after injury and compared with two healthy controls. Analysis was conducted between and within ACLR and control groups. Pearson's correlation coefficients and a multiple linear regression model analyzed relationships between demographic variables and RTP.After exclusion, 23 professional soccer players were identified for the ACLR group. One year after index, ACLR had lower goals, shots on-target, assists, pass percentage, tackles, tackle success percentage, blocks, and clearances compared with control (p < 0.05). Two years after index, ACLR had lower assists, pass percentage, and tackle success percentage than control (p < 0.05). Three years after index, ACLR had fewer matches and blocks versus control (p < 0.05). Pearson's correlation showed a positive correlation between experience and RTP (p = 0.001). Multiple linear regression found RTP to increase 32.66 days for each additional year of experience (p < 0.001).With performance metrics showing significant decreases up to 2 years post-ACLR but largely recovering within 3 years of RTP, results support that soccer players undergoing ACLR eventually recover to preinjury levels of play. Players should be counseled on initial declines in performance metrics the first few years after RTP.