A Review of Return-to-Sport Testing Protocols Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1503-SSRC (R1)
Authors
1دانشگاه علوم و تحقیقات
2پژوهشگاه تربیت بدنی و علوم ورزشی
Abstract
ACL injuries are common and debilitating, particularly in sports involving pivoting, cutting, and jumping movements. Returning athletes to sport after an ACL injury requires a comprehensive evaluation of their physical readiness and risk of reinjury. Return-to-sport testing protocols are valuable tools for assessing an athlete's ability to safely resume sports participation. However, there is variability in the practices and protocols used, raising questions about their validity and reliability. This review paper provides an overview of ACL injuries and emphasizes the importance of return-to-sport testing protocols in rehabilitation. It analyzes relevant studies, identifies knowledge gaps, and provides insights for future directions in protocol development. Standardization and reliability of protocols are necessary for accurate assessment. Challenges during the return-to-sport process, including psychological readiness and physical deficits, are addressed.
ACL injuries limit sports participation and increase the risk of subsequent knee injuries. Effective return-to-sport protocols are crucial in reducing reinjury risk and optimizing outcomes. High-demand sports like soccer, basketball, and football have a higher prevalence of ACL injuries, highlighting the need for evidence-based injury reduction training.
Return-to-sport testing protocols include strength assessments, hop tests, movement quality assessment, psychological factors, and patient-reported outcomes. Strength assessments measure muscle function, hop tests evaluate lower limb function, movement quality assessment identifies abnormal patterns, and psychological factors contribute to successful return. Patient-reported outcomes offer subjective insights into an athlete's function. Further research is needed to establish the validity and optimal combination of components in return-to-sport testing protocols. Standardization and consensus on components and cutoff values are necessary for meaningful comparisons. An individualized approach considering physical and psychological factors is crucial.
In conclusion, ACL injuries require comprehensive rehabilitation and injury reduction training. Return-to-sport testing protocols play a vital role in assessing an athlete's readiness. This review provides insights for clinicians, researchers, and experts involved in ACL injury rehabilitation, guiding decision-making and protocol development. Standardization and further research are needed to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of these protocols.
Keywords
 
Proceeding Title [Persian]
A Review of Return-to-Sport Testing Protocols Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors [Persian]