The Test-Retest Reliability of Multiple Patient-Reported and Clinician-Based Outcomes in People With a History of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Context: People with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) often have continued impairments, limitations, and restrictions after completion of formal rehabilitation. Clinician-based outcomes (CBOs) and patient-based outcomes are measures that can be used to determine patient status. However, the test-retest reliability of these measures in people with a history of ACLR should be determined.

Design: A repeated-measures, test-retest reliability design.

Methods: Participants (5.3 [2.7] y since ACLR) reported to the lab on 2 separate testing occasions separated by 1 week. Participants completed all PROs followed by all CBOs. All assessments were randomized between participants to avoid an order effect. Intraclass correlation coefficients, minimal detectable change, and standard error of measure were calculated for each outcome.

Results: All PROs and CBOs had clinically acceptable reliability except the Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (intraclass correlation coefficients = .43), Knee Self-Efficacy Scale-Sport (intraclass correlation coefficients = .46), and Balance Error Scoring System eyes closed (firm and foam), which demonstrated poor reliability.

Conclusion: Commonly utilized PROs and CBOs to measure treatment effectiveness acutely after ACLR and throughout rehabilitation had acceptable test-retest reliability. These measures should be used to determine the effectiveness of targeted intervention strategies to improve lingering impairments, limitations, and restrictions in people with a history of ACLR.