Predicting a recovery time from the initial assessment of a quadriceps contusion injury

Six quadriceps contusion tests were evaluated for inter-rater reliability and ability to predict the recovery time of 100 injured rugby players. All subjects were treated with a standardised and disciplined treatment program incorporating cryokinetics and modified training. Muscle firmness ratings, thigh circumference and passive knee flexion range of movement (ROM) measurements, and the unilateral palpation, brush-swipe and tap tests were all found to have substantial to excellent reliability (range: 0.66-1.00). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that 64 per cent of the variance in the time taken to return to full training could be accounted for by an equation involving the uninjured-injured difference in knee range, relative firmness rating of the injured muscle, difference in circumferences at the suprapatellar border, being able to play on following injury and the time delay before starting treatment.