Return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a qualitative analysis

Abstract Introduction Return to sport is a desired outcome in individuals submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Objective Understand the factors that affect return to pre-injury level sport after ACLR from the patient’s perspective. Methods The sample consisted of 29 individuals submitted to ACLR who participated in sport before the ligament injury. This is a narrative analysis with a qualitative approach, using a semi-structured interview as a methodological resource. Standardized instruments were also applied to evaluate psychological readiness to return to sport, via the Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Return to Sport after Injury Scale (ACL-RSI); self-perceived knee function using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective questionnaire; and the frequency of participation in sports with the Marx scale. Results Analysis of the interviews produced three main themes related to post-ACLR return to sport: self-discipline, fear of reinjury and social support. In qualitative analysis, the average scores obtained were 59.17 (± 23.22) on the ACL-RSI scale, 78.16 (± 19.03) for the IKDC questionnaire and 9.62 (± 4.73) and 7.86 (± 5.44) for the Marx scale before and after surgery, respectively. Conclusion: Psychological factors influence the decision to return to sport post-ACLR. Physiotherapists should therefore be aware of the psychological aspects and expectations of patients, and that other health professionals may be needed to help prepare these individuals to return to their preinjury sports level and achieve more satisfactory outcomes after ACLR.