Return to sports after ACL reconstruction: a new functional test protocol
Gian Nicola Bisciotti1, Alessandro Quaglia2, Andrea Belli3
1Qatar Orthopaedic and Sport Medicine Hospital, FIFA Center of Excellence, Doha, Qatar.
Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal
|February 21, 2017
Summary
A new ACL reconstruction test battery revealed that laboratory strength tests do not always predict field performance. This highlights the need for comprehensive functional assessments in athletes post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Limited research exists on standardized test batteries for post-ACL reconstruction evaluation.
- Current assessments may not fully capture functional recovery in athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel test battery for assessing athletes after ACL reconstruction.
- To determine the correlation between laboratory-based strength measures and functional field performance.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 80 football players underwent a new test battery post-ACL reconstruction (2006-2015).
- The battery assessed isometric/isokinetic force, jump phases, landing control, and valgus control during dynamic movements.
- Study design: Case series (Level III).
Main Results:
- Isokinetic and isometric strength tests showed no significant correlation with other assessed parameters.
- Both laboratory-based and field-based tests demonstrated significant correlations with each other.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory force production does not guarantee equivalent performance in field-based activities.
- The developed test battery provides a more comprehensive evaluation of functional recovery after ACL reconstruction.
