EVALUATION OF PRACTICE TRENDS AND EXPLORATION INTO CURRENT AND NOVEL RETURN TO SPORT TESTING POST ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

For those who rupture the anterior cruciate ligament but desire a return to sport (RTS), reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation is recommended. However, return to previous function is not guaranteed and for those who do, incidence of re-injury is high. This thesis aimed to i) understand RTS management practices of Canadian rehabilitation therapists; ii) to determine if knee biomechanics and muscle activation during a landing task differed between those post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and uninjured controls; and iii) to determine if these groups respond differently during a landing task when a surface translation is applied upon landing. Canadian practitioners do adhere to recommendations regarding RTS post ACLR. However, biomechanical evaluation identified at-risk patterns of movement in those post ACLR suggesting incomplete recovery, despite receiving clearance to RTS. Absence of change in movement pattern in response to perturbation suggests recovery of landing technique may yield more importance during RTS assessment.