Exploring the Use of a Jumps Protocol as a Return-To-Play Guideline Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

• Main Author: Johnston, Brian D
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2014
• Subjects: asymmetry; functional stability; mechanical stability; Physical Therapy; Sports Sciences
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2336; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3690&context=etd

Objective: To explore currently accepted return-to-play tests and a jumps protocol in a single subject design following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Background: The subject sustained 2 ruptures of the ACL in the left knee in a 12-month period. Both events were noncontact injuries occurring on the landing phase of a jump. A physical exam and magnetic resonance imaging were performed for both injuries by multiple orthopedic surgeons in the United States (1st rupture) and in Brazil (1st & 2nd rupture) to diagnose the injury. Treatment: Following the initial injury the subject attended 2 rehabilitation sessions per week for 16 weeks with an outpatient physical therapy clinic in the US. After the second surgery the athlete returned to the US and received treatment 6 days per week for 8 months with the University sports medicine staff. Return-to-play testing: Along with the hop test and an isokinetic knee flexion/extension test as a general protocol to determine the return-to-play, a jumps protocol to assess bilateral asymmetry and performance was also used. The symmetry index score (SI) was used to evaluate the magnitude of asymmetry. Conclusions: Following ACL reconstruction, objective data from the Hop Test, Isokinetic Test and Jumps Protocol can assist the healthcare provider in determining return-to-play status.