Relationship Between Physical Activity and Clinical Outcomes After ACL Reconstruction

No Association Between Injury-Related Fear and Isokinetic Quadriceps Strength in Individuals With a History of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

CONTEXT

Injury-related fear and quadriceps strength are independently associated with secondary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. It is not known whether injury-related fear and quadriceps strength are associated, despite their individual predictive capabilities of secondary ACL injury. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between injury-related fear and quadriceps strength in individuals at least 1 year after ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Forty participants between the ages of 18 and 35 years at least 1 year post unilateral primary ACLR. Participants completed the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11) and a standard isokinetic quadriceps strength assessment using the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer. Pearson Product-Moment correlations were used to examine the linear association between the TSK-11 scores and peak torque (in nanometers per kilogram) for each limb and between the TSK-11 scores and limb symmetry indices for each limb. Pearson Product-Moment correlation coefficients (r) were interpreted as very high (.90-1.00), high (.70-.90), moderate (.50-.70), low (.30-.50), and no correlation (.00-.30).

RESULTS

The average TSK-11 score was 18.2 (5.3), average ACLR peak quadriceps torque was 1.9 (0.50) N·m/kg, average contralateral peak quadriceps torque was 2.3 (0.48) N·m/kg, and average limb symmetry index was 85.3% (12.6%). There was no statistically significant correlation between the TSK-11 and peak quadriceps torque on the ACLR limb (r = .12, P = .46), the TSK-11 and contralateral limb (r = .29, P = .07), or the TSK-11 and limb symmetry index (r = -.18, P = .27).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no association between kinesiophobia and peak isokinetic quadriceps strength in individuals at least 1 year post-ACLR. Both factors, independently, have been shown to influence risk of secondary injury in patients after ACLR.

Objectively evaluated physical activity among individuals following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To compare time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, MVPA per day, and steps per day between individuals that were subjected to the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and healthy control group.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Data sources

Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed have been comprehensively searched to identify relevant investigations.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

An observational research that objectively evaluated physical activity among respondents with a history of ACLR.

Results

Of 302 records, a total of 12 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Four hundred and forty-three participants underwent the ACLR, 153 men and 290 women. The mean time between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery and evaluation of analysed outcomes was 34.8 months. The main findings demonstrated that the ACLR group spent less time in weekly MVPA (standardised mean differences (SMD)=-0.43 (95% CI -0.66 to -0.20); mean = -55.86 min (95% CI -86.45 to -25.27); p=0.0003; τ2=0.00), in daily MVPA (SMD=-0.51 95% CI -0.76 to -0.26]; mean = -15.59 min (95% CI -22.93 to -8.25); p<0.0001; τ2=0.00), and they had fewer daily steps (SMD=-0.60 95% CI -0.90 to -0.30); mean = -1724.39 steps (95% CI -2552.27 to -896.50); p<0.0001; τ2=0.00) relative to their non-injured counterparts. Additionally, available investigations indicated that individuals with a history of ACLR participated in 316.8 min of MVPA per week, 67 min in MVPA per day, and 8337 steps per day.

Conclusion

Long-term after ACLR, participants undergoing ACL surgery were less physically active compared with their non-injured peers, and they did not satisfy recommendations regarding steps per day.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023431991.

Physical inactivity 5-8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is associated with knee-related self-efficacy and psychological readiness to return to sport

Objectives

To investigate whether patient demographics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), respectively, are associated with physical inactivity (PI) 5-8 years after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

This case control observational study included individuals who had undergone primary ACLR between the ages of 15 and 65 years and had responded to PROs 18 months postoperatively. These individuals were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding their present level of physical activity (PA) at 5-8 years after ACLR. Patient-demographic data and results from the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale and the ACL Return to Sport (RTS) after Injury scale from 18 months after ACLR were extracted from a rehabilitation-specific register. Univariable logistic regression analyses were performed with PI (<150 min PA per week/≥150 min PA/week) as the dependent variable.

Results

Of 292 eligible participants, 173 (47% women; mean±SD age = 31±11 years) responded to the PA questionnaire. In all, 14% (n=25; 28% women) were classified as physically inactive. Participants with lower levels of present and future self-efficacy, OR 1.35 (CI 1.05 to 1.72) and OR 1.20 (CI 1.12 to 1.45), and lower levels of psychological readiness to RTS, OR 1.19 (CI 1 to 1.43), at the 18-month follow-up, had higher odds of being physically inactive 5-8 years after ACLR. None of the patient demographic variables was able to predict PI.

Conclusion

Lower levels of knee-related self-efficacy and psychological readiness to RTS, 18 months after ACLR, were associated with PI 5-8 years after surgery.

Accelerometer-assessed physical activity patterns during the first two years after a non-surgically treated ACL injury

OBJECTIVES

To describe physical activity patterns and analyze changes during the first two years after a non-surgically treated ACL injury, and to assess correlations between accelerometer-assessed physical activity and self-reported knee function and knee-related quality of life.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

128 patients (61 females, 25.2 ± 7.1 years) with acute ACL injury.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Physical activity patterns were measured with accelerometry. Self-reported knee function was assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form, and knee-related quality of life was assessed using the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Quality of Life questionnaire.

RESULTS

Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and steps per day increased from baseline to 3 months (p < .001), with no further increase from 3 to 24 months (p > .05). Time in MVPA did not correlate to patient-reported outcome measures at 3, 6, 12, or 24 months (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity increased from acute phase to 3 months after non-surgically treated ACL injury, but almost one in four patients did not reach recommended levels of physical activity. Physical activity did not correlate with knee function or quality of life. Patients may need improved support to return to physical activity after ACL injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02931084.

Physical activity measured with an accelerometer in dogs following extracapsular stabilisation to treat cranial cruciate ligament rupture

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the physical activity levels in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture before and after lateral fabellar suture stabilisation surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen dogs (mean weight, 12.3±5.1 kg) with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were fitted with an accelerometer for seven consecutive days at four different time points: before surgery (T0), one (T1), three (T3) and six (T6) months after surgery. The total activity and times spent in sedentary activity, light to moderate activity and vigorous activity were recorded by the accelerometer, and preoperative and postoperative data were compared. At all time points, dogs underwent clinical evaluations (lameness score, stifle pain score and thigh circumference) and their owners were asked to respond to questionnaires to subjectively score the physical activity and quality of life of the dogs.

RESULTS

At the four time points, the dogs spent between 21.2 and 21.4 hours on sedentary behaviour, 2.3 and 2.5 hours performing light to moderate activity, and 13 to 15 minutes performing vigorous activity. There was no increase in physical activity variables or decrease in sedentary behaviour over time. Lameness scores, pain score and dogs' quality of life improved significantly during the postoperative period. At T6, 17 (100%) of 17 dogs presented no lameness, 16 (94%) of 17 dogs presented no stifle pain, 16 (94%) of 17 owners rated the quality of life as very good and excellent, and 16 (100%) of 16 owners reported a total return to normal activity levels.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The clinical recovery after extracapsular stabilisation of the stifle joint was not associated with a spontaneous increase in physical activity or a decrease in sedentary behaviour.

Monitoring External Workload With Wearable Technology After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Scoping Review

Background

Current sports medicine and rehabilitation trends indicate an increasing use of wearable technology. The ability of these devices to collect, transmit, and process physiological, biomechanical, bioenergy, and environmental data may aid in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) workload monitoring and return-to-sport decision-making. In addition, their ease of use allows assessments to occur outside the clinical or laboratory settings and across a broader timeline.

Purpose

To (1) determine how wearable technology can assess external workload deficits between limbs (involved and uninvolved) and between groups (healthy controls vs patients with ACLR) during physical activity (PA) or sport and (2) describe the types of sensors, sensor specifications, assessment protocols, outcomes of interest, and participant characteristics from the included studies.

Study Design

Scoping review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

In February 2023, a systematic search was performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Compendex, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global databases. Eligible studies included assessments of PA or sports workloads via wearable technology after ACLR.

Results

Twenty articles met eligibility criteria and were included. The primary activity assessed was activities of daily living, although rehabilitation, training, and competition were also represented. Accelerometers, global positioning system units, pedometers, and pressure sensor insoles were worn to collect external workload data, which was quantified as kinetic, kinematic, and temporospatial data. Daily steps (count) and moderate to vigorous PA (min/day or week) were the most common units of measurement. A limited number of studies included outcomes related to between-limb asymmetries.

Conclusion

The findings of this scoping review highlight the versatility of wearable technologies to collect patients' kinetic, kinematic, and temporospatial data and assess external workload outcomes after ACLR. In addition, some wearable technologies identified deficits in workload compared with healthy controls and between reconstructed and unaffected limbs.

Evaluation of Muscle Strength and Graft Laxity With Early Open Kinetic Chain Exercise After ACL Reconstruction: A Cohort Study

Background

Open kinetic chain (OKC) exercise is an effective method to improve muscle function during rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); however, there is controversy about its use in the early phase of rehabilitation.

Purpose

To determine (1) whether the use of OKC and closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises improves quadriceps and hamstring strength in the early phase of rehabilitation after ACLR and (2) whether the early use of OKC exercise affects graft laxity at 3 and 6 months postoperatively in patients with a hamstring tendon graft.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

This study included an intervention group that underwent OKC + CKC exercises (n = 51) and a control group that underwent CKC exercise only (n = 52). In the intervention group, OKC exercise for the quadriceps and hamstring was started at 4 weeks after ACLR. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, isokinetic testing was performed to calculate the limb symmetry index (LSI) and the peak torque to body weight ratio (PT/BW) for the quadriceps and hamstring. Anterior knee laxity was measured by an arthrometer.

Results

At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, quadriceps strength was higher in the intervention group than in the control group for the LSI (3 months: 76.14% ± 0.22% vs 46.91% ± 0.21%, respectively; 6 months: 91.05% ± 0.18% vs 61.80% ± 0.26%, respectively; P < .001 for both) and PT/BW (3 months: 1.81 ± 0.75 vs 0.85 ± 0.50 N·m/kg, respectively; 6 months: 2.40 ± 0.73 vs 1.39 ± 0.70 N·m/kg, respectively; P < .001 for both). There were similar findings regarding hamstring strength for the LSI (3 months: 86.13% ± 0.22% vs 64.26% ± 0.26%, respectively; 6 months: 91.90% ± 0.17% vs 82.42% ± 0.24%, respectively; P < .001 at three months, P = .024 at 6 months) and PT/BW (3 months: 1.09 ± 0.36 vs 0.67 ± 0.39 N·m/kg, respectively; 6 months: 1.42 ± 0.41 vs 1.07 ± 0.39 N·m/kg, respectively; P < .001 for both). No significant difference in laxity was observed between the intervention and control groups at 3 or 6 months.

Conclusion

Early use of OKC exercise for both the quadriceps and the hamstring, in addition to conventional CKC exercise, resulted in better correction of quadriceps and hamstring strength deficits without increasing graft laxity.

Evidence Review for Preventing Osteoarthritis After an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: An Osteoarthritis Action Alliance Consensus Statement

CONTEXT

The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance formed a secondary prevention task group to develop a consensus on secondary prevention recommendations to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis after a knee injury.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to provide clinicians with secondary prevention recommendations that are intended to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis after a person has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Specifically, this manuscript describes our methods, literature reviews, and dissenting opinions to elaborate on the rationale for our recommendations and to identify critical gaps.

DESIGN

Consensus process.

SETTING

Virtual video conference calls and online voting.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

The Secondary Prevention Task Group consisted of 29 members from various clinical backgrounds.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The group initially convened online in August 2020 to discuss the target population, goals, and key topics. After a second call, the task group divided into 9 subgroups to draft the recommendations and supportive text for crucial content areas. Twenty-one members completed 2 rounds of voting and revising the recommendations and supportive text between February and April 2021. A virtual meeting was held to review the wording of the recommendations and obtain final votes. We defined consensus as >80% of voting members supporting a proposed recommendation.

RESULTS

The group achieved consensus on 15 of 16 recommendations. The recommendations address patient education, exercise and rehabilitation, psychological skills training, graded-exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral counseling (lacked consensus), outcomes to monitor, secondary injury prevention, system-level social support, leveraging technology, and coordinated care models.

CONCLUSIONS

This consensus statement reflects information synthesized from an interdisciplinary group of experts based on the best available evidence from the literature or personal experience. We hope this document raises awareness among clinicians and researchers to take steps to mitigate the risk of osteoarthritis after an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Patients that maintain their pre-injury level of physical activity 3-5 years after ACL reconstruction are, 18 months after surgery, characterised by higher levels of readiness to return to sport

PURPOSE

To characterise patients who had returned to their pre-injury physical activity (PA) or higher at 18 months and maintained that level of PA 3-5 years after the primary ACL reconstruction and to describe the level, frequency, and type of PA participation during the first 5 years after ACL reconstruction  METHOD: Data, from follow-ups at 18 months and 3-5 years after an ACL reconstruction, were extracted from a rehabilitation-specific register. Patients, 15-65 years of age, were included. The data comprised patient-reported outcomes and the results from two questions with respect to the level, frequency, and type of PA. Comparisons were made between patients who had and had not maintained their pre-injury level of PA at the follow-up 3-5 years after an ACL reconstruction.

RESULTS

A total of 272 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up time was 3.8 years (min-max: 2.9-5.1) after the ACL reconstruction. Of patients who had returned to their pre-injury or a higher level of PA at the 18 month follow-up (n = 114), 68% (n = 78) maintained that level at the 3- to 5-year follow-up after ACL reconstruction. These patients reported a higher level of psychological readiness to return to sport (98 versus 79; p = 0.013). Moreover, these patients were 6.0 years older (p = 0.016) and were characterised by male sex (56% versus 44%; p = 0.028) and a lower level of pre-injury PA (p = 0.013). At the follow-up 3-5 years after the ACL reconstruction, more than 90% met the recommendations for PA. However, the prevalence of physical inactivity had increased and the involvement in organised PA had decreased compared with the 18-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Two out of three patients who have returned to their previous level of PA at 18 months can be expected to maintain that level, 3-5 years following ACL reconstruction. These patients were mainly characterised by a higher level of psychological readiness, especially in patients who participated in knee-strenuous sport and were younger than 20 years of age. The results of this study suggest that patients become more physically inactive over time, implicating the importance of clinicians helping patients find a suitable PA that may help patients maintain an active lifestyle.

Environmental Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis: The Impact on Individuals with Knee Joint Injury

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating chronic condition involving joint degeneration, impacting over 300 million people worldwide. This places a high social and economic burden on society. The knee is the most common joint impacted by osteoarthritis. A common cause of osteoarthritis is traumatic joint injury, specifically injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. The purpose of this review is to detail the non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors for osteoarthritis with particular focus on individuals after anterior cruciate ligament injury. After reading this, health care providers will better comprehend the wide variety of factors linked to osteoarthritis.

The Majority of Patients Aged 40 and Older Having Allograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Achieve a Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State

PURPOSE

To evaluate patient satisfaction, retear rates, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients aged 40 and older undergoing allograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The secondary goal was to compare these parameters between groups of patients with intact versus failed grafts, and to evaluate these in relation to a historically reported International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) patient-acceptable symptoms state (PASS) score.

METHODS

Records of patients aged 40 and older who underwent ACLR between 2005 and 2016 at a single institution with a minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patient-reported satisfaction, outcome scores, and failure rates were analyzed. The rate of achieving a previously defined IKDC PASS score based on younger cohorts was reported, and an updated PASS threshold for older patients was calculated.

RESULTS

201 patients were included with a mean age of 48.6 years (range: 40-68) and mean follow-up of 6.2 years (range: 2.8-11.2). 182 (90.5%) patients reported satisfaction following surgery. 16 (8.0%) patients experienced failure of their ACLR, 10 of which underwent revision ACLR. The median IKDC score in the intact ACLR group was 86.2, compared to 66.7 in the failure group (P < .001). In total, 134 (72.4%) patients in the intact group achieved the historical PASS score of 75.9 on IKDC compared to only 4 (25%) in the failure group (χ² = 15.396, P < .001). An updated IKDC PASS threshold for older cohorts was calculated to be 66.7.

CONCLUSION

Patients aged 40 and older who underwent allograft ACLR had an 8.0% failure rate at a mean follow-up of 6 years. Graft failure in patients aged 40 and older was associated with worse PROs. The majority of patients achieved the historically reported IKDC PASS threshold. Additionally, an updated age-appropriate IKDC PASS score of 66.7 was calculated to aid in future ACLR studies assessing older patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Level IV.

Implementation of In vivo exposure therapy to decrease injury-related fear in females with a history of ACL-Reconstruction: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this pilot study was to examine the preliminary feasibility and efficacy of in vivo exposure therapy (IVET) to decrease injury-related fear in females with history of ACLR.

DESIGN

Pilot Study.

SETTING

Sports Medicine Research Laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

12 female participants with history of ACLR (≥ 1 year post-operative) were randomized into a 5-week IVET group (n = 6) or 5-week sham physical activity (PA) monitoring group (n = 6).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The independent variables were Group and Time. The dependent variables were the Photographic Series of Sports Activities for ACLR (PHOSA-ACLR) and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11) scores. A Group x Time repeated measures two-way analysis of variance was completed for the PHOSA-ACLR and the TSK-11. Partial η² effect sizes were used to examine clinically meaningful differences.

RESULTS

High retention and adherence rates were observed in the intervention group. The PHOSA-ACLR exhibited a significant main effect for Time (F_1,10 = 9.92, p = 0.01, partial η² = 0.50), but not for Group. No statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences were observed for the TSK-11.

CONCLUSION

Both groups exhibited decreased injury-related fear for specific functional tasks. Future research should further examine the efficacy of IVET and PA monitoring to decrease injury-related fear in patients after ACLR.

Feasibility of a Wearable-Based Physical Activity Goal-Setting Intervention Among Individuals With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

CONTEXT

Individuals with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) demonstrate persistent reductions in physical activity (PA) volume that are not being addressed during rehabilitation. Currently, it is challenging for clinicians to prescribe exercise interventions that extend beyond in-person rehabilitative care in a manner that is responsive and acceptable to patients.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of using a novel, technology-driven, personalized goal-setting intervention over a 2-month period among young individuals with a history of primary unilateral ACLR.

DESIGN

Single-blinded feasibility study.

SETTING

University community.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Ten women and 2 men (age = 22.0 ± 3.0 years, time since surgery = 56.0 ± 36.3 months) with a history of primary unilateral ACLR.

INTERVENTION(S)

All participants completed a 28-day PA observation period immediately followed by a 28-day individualized PA goal-setting intervention period delivered via a commercially available PA monitor.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Primary feasibility outcomes were days of PA monitor wear compliance and days of goal achievement during the intervention period. Participants also completed the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at study enrollment and after the intervention period, and the individual change in the KOOS Quality of Life subscale was compared with the minimal detectable change (7.2 points).

RESULTS

Average PA monitor wear compliance was 95.5% ± 7.3% during the observation period and 97.7% ± 2.9% during the intervention period. Median goal achievement was 31.5% ± 6.8% during the intervention period. Five participants demonstrated meaningful improvements in the KOOS Quality of Life subscale during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Individualized goal setting via mobile technology appears to be a feasible approach to PA promotion. However, based on the low rate of daily goal attainment during the intervention period, continued refinement of this intervention aproach would be beneficial before broad clinical implementation.

Assessing Physical Activity After ACL Injury: Moving Beyond Return to Sport

CONTEXT

Return to sport is widely utilized by sports medicine researchers and clinicians as a primary outcome of interest for successful recovery when working with young patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). While return-to-sport outcomes are effective at tracking progress post-ACLR, they are limited because they do not necessarily capture physical activity (PA) engagement, which is important to maintain knee joint health and reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases. Therefore, there is a critical need (1) to describe current PA participation and measurement recommendations; (2) to appraise common PA measurement approaches, including patient-reported outcomes and device-based methodologies; and (3) to provide clinical recommendations for future evaluation.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Reports of patient-reported or device-based PA in patients with ACL injury were acquired and summarized based on a PubMed search (2000 through July 2020). Search terms included physical activity OR activity AND anterior cruciate ligament OR ACL.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 5.

RESULTS

We highlight that (1) individuals with ACLR are 2.36 times less likely to meet the US Department of Health and Human Services PA recommendations even when reporting successful return to sport, (2) common patient-reported PA assessments have significant limitations in the data that can be derived, and (3) alternative patient-reported and device-based assessments may provide improved assessment of PA in this patient population.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians and researchers have relied on return to sport status or self-reported PA participation via surveys. These approaches are not consistent with current recommendations for PA assessment and do not allow for comparison with contemporary PA recommendations or guidelines. Return to sport, patient-reported outcome measures, and device-based assessment approaches should be used in complementary manners to comprehensively assess PA participation after ACLR. However, appropriate techniques should be used when assessing PA in adult and adolescent populations.

The relationship between injury-related fear and physical activity in people with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between fear-avoidance beliefs and physical activity (PA) in people with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

DESIGN

Modified cross-sectional.

SETTING

Research laboratory Participants: A total of 19 participants with a history of unilateral ACLR.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants completed the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), a valid and reliable measure of FAB measured across two subscales (FABQ-Sport and FABQ-Physical Activity (PA)). Higher scores indicated greater FAB. The participants were provided a wearable accelerometer to wear on the wrist for one-week to capture PA outcomes (vertical counts per minute and average steps/day).

RESULTS

Weak, non-statistically significant positive correlations were identified between average daily steps per day (11,237.7 ± 5667.7), FABQ-PA (6 ± 8; r = 0.12, p = .63) and FABQ-S (8 ± 15; r = 0.26, p = .35). Weak, non-statistically significant negative correlations were identified between vertical counts per minute (131.4 ± 141.4) and FABQ-PA (r = -0.13, p = .59) and no relationship was observed with FABQ-Sports (r = 0.00, p = .98).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant relationships between FABs and PA. The ability for individuals to remain physically active, with measurable levels of FABs (greater than 0), may be due to other psychological variables that should be further examined.

The Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Injury and Objectively Measured Physical Activity Levels: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: Physical activity is vital for human health. Musculoskeletal injury may inhibit adults from participating in physical activity, and this amount may be less than adults without a history of musculoskeletal injury. Clinical Question: Do individuals with a history of ankle or knee musculoskeletal injury participate in less objectively measured physical activity compared with healthy controls? Summary of Key Findings: Four studies were included. Two studies concluded patients who have undergone an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) spent less time in moderate to vigorous physical activity levels when compared with healthy controls, but still achieved the daily recommended amount of physical activity. One study determined that participants with CAI took fewer steps per day compared with the control group. The fourth study determined patients with patellofemoral pain were less physically active than healthy controls as they took fewer steps per day and spent less time participating in mild and high activity. Clinical Bottom Line: There is consistent, high quality evidence that demonstrates individuals with a history of ankle or knee musculoskeletal injury participate in less objectively measured physical activity compared with healthy individuals. Strength of Recommendation: Due to nature of study designs of the included articles in this critically appraised topic, we recommend a grade of 3B.

Characterizing body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity in women with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

OBJECTIVES

The purpose was to compare body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity (PA) engagement between women with ACLR and healthy controls.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten women with ACLR (time since surgery = 33.0 ± 18.3 months; age = 21.4 ± 3.8 years) and 10 healthy women (age = 21.9 ± 3.1 years) matched based on age (±2 years) and Tegner Activity Level (±2) participated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Body fat percentage (%BF) was estimated using air displacement plethysmography, cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed via a graded cycle test, and PA was assessed using accelerometers worn for 7 days. Groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. Time (minutes/week) spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA and step count (steps/day) were compared between groups using a one-way ANCOVA with 7-day total wear time as the only covariate. Statistical significance was established a priori as α ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Women with ACLR had significantly higher %BF than controls (ACLR = 32.7 ± 6.7%, healthy = 22.6 ± 4.9%; p < 0.01) and participated in less steps per day (ACLR = 6650 ± 3227 steps/day, healthy = 9361 ± 2626 steps/day; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

There may be persistent negative effects on body composition and PA engagement for women following ACLR. Low PA and high %BF have adverse consequences for premature mortality and morbidity; therefore, it is crucial to assess these characteristics and determine interventions to maintain PA and healthy body composition following ACLR.

The Effectiveness of the Transtheoretical Model to Improve Physical Activity in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Despite the known risks of physical inactivity, only 50% of adults meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity (PA). Therefore, numerous interventions have been designed to increase PA across a lifespan. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of interventions based on the transtheoretical model to improve PA in healthy adults.

METHODS

Electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, Sociological Collection, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched from January 2001 to May 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 11 randomized pretest-posttest studies were included in this review. Ten studies utilized a subjective measurement of PA, and 3 studies included an objective measure. Five studies demonstrated significant improvements in PA for the transtheoretical model-based intervention groups compared with control/comparison groups; however, 6 studies demonstrated no differences between groups.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that there is inconsistent evidence to support the use of interventions based on the transtheoretical model to improve PA in adult populations. Interventions were more successful when materials were delivered via in-person counseling and when study participants were in the precontemplation or contemplation phases at baseline.

Walking activity in a large cohort of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

INTRODUCTION

In this study we explored walking activity in a large cohort of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

METHODS

Step activity (monitored for 7 days), functional ability, and strength were quantified in ambulatory boys (5-12.9 years of age) with DMD and unaffected boys. Ambulatory status was determined 2 years later.

RESULTS

Two to 5 days of activity monitoring predicted weekly step activity (adjusted R² = 0.80-0.95). Age comparisons revealed significant declines for step activity with increasing age, and relationships were found between step activity with both function and strength (P < .01). Our regression model predicted 36.5% of the variance in step activity. Those who were still ambulatory after 2 years demonstrated baseline step activity nearly double that of those who were no longer walking 2 years later (P < .01).

DISCUSSION

Step activity for DMD is related to and predictive of functional declines, which may be useful for clinical trials.

Psychological factors are associated with return to pre-injury levels of sport and physical activity after ACL reconstruction

PURPOSE

The impetus of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is to allow patients to return to sport and to remain engaged in physical activity. Many patients exhibit deficits in psychological domains of health-related quality of life which may impede return to sport and physical activity participation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association of patient-based, specifically psychological, and functional outcomes with return to sport and physical activity.

METHODS

Forty participants, a minimum of 1-year post-ACLR, reported to the laboratory for one-testing session. Participants completed a series of patient-based and functional outcome assessments. Participants were also instructed to wear a pedometer for 1 week to monitor their daily steps.

RESULTS

Twenty-five participants (62%) did not return to sport and 29 participants (72%) did not average 10,000 steps per day. Individuals with elevated levels of self-reported kinesiophobia were 17% less likely to return to sport. Self-reported knee self-efficacy and knee-related quality of life accounted for 27.1% of the variance of average daily step counts.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological factors, specifically injury-related fear and self-efficacy, were associated more significantly than functional outcomes with return to sport and physical activity levels. Clinicians should examine psychological factors throughout rehabilitation in patients after ACLR. Future research should explore the effectiveness of psychoeducation techniques to decrease injury-related fear and enhance self-efficacy in this population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Diagnostic Validity of an Isokinetic Testing to Identify Partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic validity of an isokinetic testing to detect partial injuries on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

DESIGN

Prospective diagnostic study.

SETTINGS

Orthopedic clinic, physiotherapy clinic, orthopedic hospital, and diagnostic/image clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive patients (n = 29) with unilateral knee complaint submitted to physical examination, magnetic resonance images (MRIs), and isokinetic testing prior to surgery of ACL reconstruction.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The isokinetic torque curves data from extensor and flexor muscles were converted to frequency domain by fast Fourier transformation and compared with healthy contralateral limb. Differences were categorized as unstable knees and these conclusions were compared with patient's physical examinations (doctor's conclusion on ACL integrity) and MRIs (as the radiologist conclusions on ACL integrity). After surgery, all intraoperatively confirmed partial injured patient's data were collected. The diagnostic accuracy measures to compare the conclusions of all 3 professionals included sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, disease prevalence, positive likelihood ratio, and accuracy-all using a confidence interval of 95%.

RESULTS

Compared with MRI, the sensitivity of isokinetic test for an ACL partial injury was 90.00%, specificity 83.33%, positive predictive value 52.94%, negative predictive value 97.56%, and accuracy 84.48%. Compared with physical examination, the sensitivity of isokinetic test for an ACL partial injury was 85.71%, specificity 78.43%, positive predictive value 35.29%, negative predictive value 97.56%, and accuracy 79.31%.

CONCLUSIONS

This method of isokinetic data analysis through fast Fourier transformation can be used to improve diagnostic accuracy of a difficult detection injury. Even present, a partial ACL injury can produce a stable knee during isokinetic testing and could be used to detect candidates for conservative treatment based on strengthening exercises, reducing surgery risks, and financial and social impact on patient's life.

Relationship Between Sports Participation After Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and 2-Year Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

BACKGROUND

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision cohorts continually report lower outcome scores on validated knee questionnaires than primary ACL cohorts at similar time points after surgery. It is unclear how these outcomes are associated with physical activity after physician clearance for return to recreational or competitive sports after ACL revision surgery.

HYPOTHESES

Participants who return to either multiple sports or a singular sport after revision ACL surgery will report decreased knee symptoms, increased activity level, and improved knee function as measured by validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and compared with no sports participation. Multisport participation as compared with singular sport participation will result in similar increased PROMs and activity level.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A total of 1205 patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction were enrolled by 83 surgeons at 52 clinical sites. At the time of revision, baseline data collected included the following: demographics, surgical characteristics, previous knee treatment and PROMs, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, Marx activity score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). A series of multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the association of IKDC, KOOS, WOMAC, and Marx Activity Rating Scale scores at 2 years after revision surgery by sports participation category, controlling for known significant covariates.

RESULTS

Two-year follow-up was obtained on 82% (986 of 1205) of the original cohort. Patients who reported not participating in sports after revision surgery had lower median PROMs both at baseline and at 2 years as compared with patients who participated in either a single sport or multiple sports. Significant differences were found in the change of scores among groups on the IKDC (P < .0001), KOOS-Symptoms (P = .01), KOOS-Sports and Recreation (P = .04), and KOOS-Quality of Life (P < .0001). Patients with no sports participation were 2.0 to 5.7 times more likely than multiple-sport participants to report significantly lower PROMs, depending on the specific outcome measure assessed, and 1.8 to 3.8 times more likely than single-sport participants (except for WOMAC-Stiffness, P = .18), after controlling for known covariates.

CONCLUSION

Participation in either a single sport or multiple sports in the 2 years after ACL revision surgery was found to be significantly associated with higher PROMs across multiple validated self-reported assessment tools. During follow-up appointments, surgeons should continue to expect that patients who report returning to physical activity after surgery will self-report better functional outcomes, regardless of baseline activity levels.