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Qualitatively Characterizing Sleep Behaviors After ACL Reconstruction
Caitlin Ann Brinkman-Holland1, Hana Marmura2, Alison Cruise2
1Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Context:
Despite the broad impact of sleep in injury-related recovery, there is limited literature investigating how sleep may impact patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). It is unclear whether patients perceive sleep changes as a result of ACLR and whether they perceive these changes to influence their health-related outcomes (eg, physical recovery, psychological functioning) in the early postoperative ACLR recovery phase.
Objective:
This qualitative study aimed to capture patient perceptions of sleep after ACLR as well as how they perceived the impact of sleep on their ACLR recovery within the first 3 months postoperatively. We aimed to better understand patients' subjective experiences regarding the role of sleep in recovery and to identify any barriers or facilitators to achieving optimal sleep when undergoing acute stages of ACLR rehabilitation.
Design:
Qualitative study.
Setting:
Research university.
Patients Or Other Participants:
Twelve participants aged 18 to 35 years and 1 to 3 months post-ACLR completed semistructured interviews via a videoconferencing platform.
Data Collection And Analysis:
Audio and video recordings of each interview were transcribed verbatim to prepare for thematic coding. Transcriptions were anonymized with pseudonyms. Data were interpreted through thematic analysis using an inductive approach. Coding and thematic analysis was carried out by 2 independent reviewers.
Results:
Three major themes were found relating to participants' perception of their sleep and ACLR experience early in the rehabilitation process: (1) sleep disturbances experienced, (2) repercussions of sleep disturbances, and (3) prior knowledge of sleep hygiene. The most important finding of this study was that patients after ACLR in this sample did perceive significant sleep disturbances leading to poor sleep quality, and these led to perceived negative impacts to health outcomes.
Conclusions:
Future researchers should focus on integrating lifestyle factors, such as sleep, into ACLR rehabilitation protocols as improving sleep may improve ACLR-specific recovery outcomes and quality of life.
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