Relationship Between Single Leg Hop Distance And Psychological Readiness During A Neurocognitive Task Following ACL Reconstruction

PURPOSE After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), regaining pre-injury function and returning to sport is challenging. Single leg hop (SLH) distance and psychological readiness are useful screening tools for return-to-activity assessments. This study examines the relationship between SLH distance and psychological readiness during a neurocognitive SLH. Neurocognitive hops provide an anticipatory component that has been used to simulate sport specific scenarios. METHODS 22 individuals cleared to return to sport with a history of primary, unilateral ACLR (17 females, time since surgery (TSS) = 25 ± 21 months, 1.7 ± 0.1 m, 75.6 ± 14.4 kg) were included. Neurocognitive SLH was assessed with two light-emitting sensors (Fitlight Trainer™). The stimulus light was positioned 3 meters in front and the timing light was 30 centimeters lateral to the starting line to record reaction time (ms). Participants were instructed to perform a maximal effort (distance and quickness) SLH with a controlled landing after the stimulus light flashed. SLH distance (m) was recorded and normalized to participant height. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury (ACLRSI) was used to evaluate psychological readiness with higher scores indicating ideal readiness to return to activity (ACLRSI >76.6). Separate linear regressions were conducted to examine the relationship between the ACLR and contralateral SLH distance, ACLRSI, and TSS. RESULTS Mean ACLR SLH performance was 0.81 m and 749 ms compared to contralateral SLH performance 0.90 m and 735 ms. ACLRSI was a significant predictor of ACLR SLH distance (p = 0.009) but TSS was not (p = 0.658). The overall model (Figure 1) for ACLR was significant (p = 0.0079) but the contralateral limb was not (p = 0.1075). CONCLUSION Psychological readiness associated with SLH distance on the ACLR limb, suggesting that psychological factors specifically impact the ACLR limb’s function and performance during a neurocognitive task. Supported by: National Athletic Trainers' Association Research and Education Foundation Doctoral Student Grant, Mid Atlantic Athletic Trainers' Association District III Research Grant. Training support through NIH NICHD/NCMRR R25HD105583.