Lower Self-Reported Knee Function Is Associated With Slower Reaction Time After ACL Reconstruction

PurposeThis study investigated the relationship between simple reaction time (SRT) and self-reported knee function in individuals following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). We hypothesized that slower SRT would be associated with lower scores on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), independent of time since surgery.MethodsIn this cross-sectional analysis, 43 participants (mean age 24.6 ± 6.3 years; 67% female; mean time since surgery 21.6 ± 13.9 months) completed a demographic questionnaire, the KOOS, and a computerized SRT assessment. The SRT test involved 10 repetitions, measuring the time required for participants to lift a finger in response to a visual stimulus on a tablet. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between KOOS subscale scores and SRT.ResultsRegression analyses indicated that improvements in KOOS-ADL and KOOS-Pain scores predicted faster reaction times, with our variables explaining between 11% and 21% of the variance in SRT.ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate that poorer self-reported knee function is associated with slower SRT in patients post-ACLR, suggesting that cognitive-motor interference may play a role in recovery. Incorporating SRT assessments into rehabilitation protocols could provide a cost-effective means to identify functional deficits and tailor interventions to enhance overall outcomes.