Effects of pre-habilitation on recovery time and strength retention in female athletes with ACL tears
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Fredrick Gardin
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:29 PM
Description
Female athletes of all levels of sports are 2-8 times more likely to have an ACL related injury occur due to various physical and metabolic factors compared to their male counterparts. This study aims to identify if in athletes suffering from a complete ACL tear, does undergoing a preoperative strengthening program improve overall recovery time and strength retention compared to those who do not. This critical appraisal reviewed 5 studies, focusing solely on athletes with ACL tears while excluding data that included secondary knee injuries such as meniscal tears. The screening process included peer reviewed articles through the PubMed database while excluding randomized controlled trials. SORT evidence of quality assessment was used during screening. After thorough review of the screened articles, three were determined to be level 3 quality of evidence while the additional two were level 2. Participants included in this study are high school and college aged female athletes competing in any form of athletics. Rehab criteria included quadricep strength, balance, and maximal knee range of motion. While evidence shows that approximately 20% of individuals who have undergone preoperative strengthening have displayed a decrease in the overall recovery period while maintaining their pre-surgery strength levels; there is no significant difference in results at this time. Based on the information gathered, the recommendation is to conduct additional research as the quality of evidence is a “C” and can be improved upon.
Effects of pre-habilitation on recovery time and strength retention in female athletes with ACL tears
Female athletes of all levels of sports are 2-8 times more likely to have an ACL related injury occur due to various physical and metabolic factors compared to their male counterparts. This study aims to identify if in athletes suffering from a complete ACL tear, does undergoing a preoperative strengthening program improve overall recovery time and strength retention compared to those who do not. This critical appraisal reviewed 5 studies, focusing solely on athletes with ACL tears while excluding data that included secondary knee injuries such as meniscal tears. The screening process included peer reviewed articles through the PubMed database while excluding randomized controlled trials. SORT evidence of quality assessment was used during screening. After thorough review of the screened articles, three were determined to be level 3 quality of evidence while the additional two were level 2. Participants included in this study are high school and college aged female athletes competing in any form of athletics. Rehab criteria included quadricep strength, balance, and maximal knee range of motion. While evidence shows that approximately 20% of individuals who have undergone preoperative strengthening have displayed a decrease in the overall recovery period while maintaining their pre-surgery strength levels; there is no significant difference in results at this time. Based on the information gathered, the recommendation is to conduct additional research as the quality of evidence is a “C” and can be improved upon.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.