Summary

Although strength, performance and functional tests presently form the mainstay of RTS criteria, there exists very little scientific evidence for their validity

Abstract

Introduction

As there is an ever increasing trend in the casual activity population to participate in sports, fitness and recreation activities, so the incidence of ACL sports injuries have increased. The greatest challenge for sports clinicians in all aspects of return to sport (RTS), is to return the athlete back to his/her original sport at an even greater level of functional ability. In this narrative literature review, an attempt will be made to assist the clinician to become more structured in scheduling his/her RTS decisions following ACLR.

Methods

Using medical subject headings and free-text words, an electronic search was conducted up to July 2024. Subject-specific search was based on the terms "return to play", "return to sport" in combination with "guidelines", "criteria", and "anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction".

Results

Five principal criteria were found, including psychological factors, performance/functional tests, strength tests, time and modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.

Conclusions

The psychological readiness of the player is a major factor in successful RTS decision making. Although strength, performance and functional tests presently form the mainstay of RTS criteria, there exists very little scientific evidence for their validity. More protection should be provided to athletes with known risk factors. Movement quality is important, if not more important than the quantifiable measures