The Association of Physical Competence With Psychological Response Among Young Athletes at Time of Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction

The traditional index of return-to-sport (RTS) readiness after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is the achievement of physical competence criteria. Emerging research indicates that psychological response and self-perceptions of physical competence may be critical mechanisms for successful RTS among young athletes.

Young athletes with higher actual physical competence (APC) and perceived physical competence (PPC) will demonstrate a more positive psychological response at the time of RTS after ACLR.

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

A total of 41 young athletes after primary ACLR completed testing within 8 weeks of medical clearance to RTS. APC was measured with isokinetic knee extension strength, single-limb crossover hop for distance, and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. PPC was measured with the Athletic Competence subscale of the Self-Perception Profile. Criteria for APC and PPC were based on established age- and activity-relevant cutoff scores. Different constructs of psychological response were assessed with the adapted Sport Motivation Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) total and subscale scores (Emotions, Confidence, and Risk Appraisal). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine differences in measures of psychological response based on achievement of APC and PPC, while adjusting for age and sex.

Of the 41 participants, 10 (24.4%) met all criteria for APC and 22 (53.7%) met the PPC criteria. The regression models estimating the ACL-RSI score (P < .001; adjusted R² = 0.331), ACL-RSI Emotions score (P < .001; adjusted R² = 0.427), and ACL-RSI Risk Appraisal score (P = .013; adjusted R² = 0.212) were statistically significant. Although APC was not associated with any measure of psychological response, meeting PPC criteria, younger age, and male sex were found to be associated with a more positive psychological readiness to RTS, but not with motivation or resilience.

Meeting PPC criteria was associated with higher psychological readiness to RTS among young athletes after ACLR, while meeting APC criteria was not associated with any construct of psychological response.