Experiences of returning to elite alpine skiing after ACL injury and ACL reconstruction

To explore the experiences of alpine skiing at the elite level after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction.

A qualitative approach where semi-structured interviews were conducted, and an analysis of the manifest content was performed.

Five ski high school students, two male and three female skiers, who had suffered ACL injuries and undergone ACL reconstructions.

Seven categories were identified. The participants described their perceived opportunities with regard to returning to alpine skiing after ACL injury and reconstruction as something positive to do with self-belief, being mentally and physically prepared, regaining confidence in their own ability, being given time and using active strategies. In contrast, perceived barriers to a return to elite alpine skiing gave rise to negative feelings, for example, fear, disheartenment, a total lack of or ambivalent confidence in their own ability and the use of passive strategies.

The two male skiers returned to alpine skiing. They reported confidence in their own ability, active strategies and support on all levels, as well as enhanced physical ability. The female skiers did not return to their pre-injury level of competitive alpine skiing. They stated a lack of support on all levels, deterioration in their physical ability and two out of three reported passive strategies and no or ambivalent confidence in their own ability. The most important factors were family support, support on all levels, access to a physiotherapist and time given.