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Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Author Spotlight: Implementing the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Concept in Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Published on: March 1, 2024
Physical Performance Improves With Time and a Functional Knee Brace in Athletes After ACL Reconstruction
Laura C Dickerson1, Alexander T Peebles1, Joseph T Moskal2
1Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab, Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.
Background:
Athletes who return to sport (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) often have reduced physical performance and a high reinjury rate. Additionally, it is currently unclear how physical performance measures can change during the RTS transition and with the use of a functional knee brace.
Purpose/Hypothesis:
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of time since surgery (at RTS and 3 months after RTS) and of wearing a brace on physical performance in patients who have undergone ACLR. We hypothesized that physical performance measures would improve with time and would not be affected by brace condition.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
A total of 28 patients who underwent ACLR (9 males, 19 females) completed physical performance testing both after being released for RTS and 3 months later. Physical performance tests included the modified agility t test (MAT) and vertical jump height, which were completed with and without a knee brace. A repeated-measures analysis of variance determined the effect of time and bracing on performance measures.
Results:
The impact of the knee brace was different at the 2 time points for the MAT side shuffle (P = .047). Wearing a functional knee brace did not affect any other physical performance measure. MAT times improved for total time (P < .001) and backpedal (P < .001), and vertical jump height increased (P = .002) in the 3 months after RTS.
Conclusion:
The present study showed that physical performance measures of agility and vertical jump height improved in the first 3 months after RTS. This study also showed that wearing a knee brace did not hinder physical performance.
Clinical Relevance:
Wearing a functional knee brace does not affect physical performance, and therefore a brace could be worn during the RTS transition without concern. Additionally, physical performance measures may still improve 3 months past traditional RTS, therefore justifying delayed RTS.
