Knee performance and self-efficacy trajectory curves after ACL reconstruction: A longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) outcomes are influenced by rehabilitation progress.
• Understanding recovery trajectories is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze knee flexion range-of-motion, quadriceps strength, and knee self-efficacy over six months post-ACLR.
• To stratify these recovery curves based on Month-6 sports activity levels.

Main Methods:

• Prospective longitudinal study of 595 individuals post-unilateral ACLR.
• Knee range-of-motion, quadriceps strength, and self-efficacy measured at multiple time points.
• Sports activity assessed using the Tegner Activity Score at 6 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• All measured parameters demonstrated nonlinear improvement, with significant gains in the first 2-4 months.
• Higher knee range-of-motion, quadriceps strength, and self-efficacy were significantly associated with higher Month-6 Tegner levels (P < 0.01).
• Bone-patellar-tendon-bone grafts or meniscal repair correlated with lower quadriceps strength; female sex with lower self-efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Improved knee function and self-efficacy are linked to higher post-ACLR sports activity.
• Trajectory curves can inform clinical decision-making and interpretation of rehabilitation outcomes.