Return to sports after ACL reconstruction: a new functional test protocol

Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2016 Feb 12;6(4):499-509. doi: 10.11138/mltj/2016.6.4.499. eCollection 2016 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Background: In literature, there are lack of studies proposing clear and rationally designed test battery to be performed after an ACL reconstruction.

Methods: From 2006 to 2015, 80 football players were subjected, after ACL reconstruction, to a newly conceived test battery analyzing: Isometric and isokinetic force productionThe different phases during the jumpThe correct control of the landing phase after jumpThe control of valgus during landing after jump and cutting movements.

Results: The isokinetic and isometric test do not show any significant relationship with the another test. The laboratory test as well the field test showed them a significant correlation.

Conclusions: The results showed that a normal force production during the laboratory does not guarantee an equally satisfactory production of force during the field test.

Study design: Case series (Level III).

Keywords: ACL; arthroscopic reconstruction; football; functional evaluation; rehabilitation.