Clinical Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Among Adolescents Completing An Evidence-based Return To Sport Program.

Strength and functional deficits are common after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and persist 6-months following. However, participating in evidence-based, tailored return to sport (RTS) training from 6- to 9-months post-ACLR may aid in meeting strength and function goals for safer RTS. PURPOSE: Compare 6- and 9-month quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg vertical jump (SLJ), and subjective function (International Knee Documentation Committee; IKDC) in adolescents post-ACLR versus matched controls. METHODS: This was a longitudinal, prospective case-control study on 14 adolescents post-ACLR, and 14 healthy age- and sex-matched controls (16 M, 12F; 15 ± 2 y; 21.7 ± 2.9 kg/m2). Participants completed isometric Q and H strength, CMJ, and SLJ assessments using automated dynamometry, force plate, and video systems. The ACLR group had clinical and IKDC measures at 6- and 9-months post-ACLR, and completed tailored 10-week RTS training (Table). We used repeated measures analyses of variance to assess visit and limb effects for strength, CMJ and SLJ force measures within the ACLR group, and group by visit for involved and matched limbs. Paired t-tests were used for IKDC. RESULTS: The ACLR group’s uninvolved limb was stronger than their surgical limb (mean difference [MD]: 0.53 ± 0.20 Nm/kg, p = .01). The ACLR group had increased CMJ peak power (MD: 0.94 ± 0.46 W/kg, p = .05), and SLJ concentric force (25 ± 11 N, p = .03) and peak power (96.9 ± 11.9 W, p < .01) at 9- versus 6-months. There were no significant differences between groups for involved and matched limb outcomes. IKDC scores improved at 9-months (7.5 ± 3.2, p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The ACL-R group improved function and jump performance following RTS training. The ACL-R group had comparable measures to controls across visits. Clinicians may consider incorporating tailored training to improve sport-specific demands for ACLR patients.Supported by: Funded by VALD Performance.