ACL injuries are among the most severe sports-related knee injuries and primarily affect young, physically active individuals. Despite extensive rehabilitation, the risk of re-injury is high, and many athletes struggle to return to their previous level of sport. In this project, we aim to develop, implement, and evaluate support material for athletes, coaches, and physiotherapists during the critical phase of returning to sport after ACL injury. By using a co-creation approach, athletes, coaches, and physiotherapists are involved in the development process to ensure relevance and usability.
Background
Returning to sport after ACL reconstruction is a complex process requiring structured rehabilitation training. Although returning to sport is often a primary goal, only about 80% resume sports activities, and fewer than half reach competitive level. The risk of re-injury is high, especially in contact sports. The final phase of rehabilitation is often inadequate, leaving athletes without clear guidelines and support. Coaches play a central role in this phase but often lack knowledge and resources. Therefore, there is a need to develop evidence-based and user-friendly tools that provide support for athletes, coaches, and physiotherapists.
Purpose
The project has three main objectives:
- Explore athletes’ and coaches’ experiences and needs during the return-to-sport process.
- Develop support material based on structured rehabilitation training.
- Evaluate the feasibility, usability, and acceptance of the material in practice.
Method
The project consists of several sub-studies:
- Interview studies: Interviews with athletes who have undergone ACL reconstruction, including those with repeated reconstructions, to identify strategies and barriers for returning to sport.
- Survey study: Mapping coaches’ knowledge and need for support in helping athletes return to sport after ACL injury.
- Focus groups: Discussions with coaches about their experiences and challenges in supporting athletes during return to sport.
- Interview study: Interviews with physiotherapists and orthopedic surgeons to explore experiences and perspectives on re-injury and secondary prevention for patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction.
- Scoping review: Compilation of research on on-field rehabilitation training for return to contact sports after ACL injury.
- Pilot intervention: Development of the support material through co-creation with athletes, coaches, and physiotherapists, followed by practical testing of the material with athletes and coaches.
Expected Results
The project is expected to contribute:
- Increased understanding of athletes’ and coaches’ perspectives on return to sport after ACL injury.
- Insights into physiotherapists’ and orthopedic surgeons’ perspectives on reinjury and secondary prevention.
- An evidence-based support tool with training exercises and guidelines for athletes and coaches during return to sport after ACL injury.
Funding
Research Council in South-East Sweden (FORSS)
Folksam Research Foundation
Region Kronoberg County
Futurum–the Academy for Healthcare, Region Jönköping County
