Isometric Knee Strength is Greater in Individuals Who Score Higher on Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.
Barrie S Sugarman, Zach B Sullivan, Daniel Le and 9 others
PMID 36518832WHAT IT FOUND
Athletes with higher psychological readiness scores had significantly greater isometric knee flexion strength.
There were no significant differences between groups for knee extension strength, balance, or hop tests. The link between readiness and function is inconsistent.
Key findings
01Participants with higher ACL-RSI scores had significantly greater isometric knee flexion strength compared to those with lower scores.
02No significant differences were found between high and low psychological readiness groups for isometric knee extension, isokinetic strength, static/dynamic balance, or hop performance.
03The study was limited by a small sample size of 18 participants and a lack of control for surgical graft type or rehabilitation protocols.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Very small sample size (n=18) limits the generalizability and statistical power of the findings. Surgical graft type was not recorded or controlled, which could influence hamstring strength independently of psychological factors. Postoperative rehabilitation protocols varied among participants and were not standardized. Participants were self-selected volunteers, introducing potential selection bias. The study only tested the injured limb, ignoring potential limb asymmetry which is often a criterion for return to sport.
Declared interests
None declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that improving knee flexion strength will automatically improve psychological readiness or return-to-sport outcomes. The study found an association in a tiny sample, but no causal link was established, and most other physical performance measures showed no relationship with readiness scores.