Return to sports after ACL reconstruction: a new functional test protocol

BACKGROUND: In literature, there are lack of studies proposing clear and rationally designed test battery to be performed after an ACL reconstruction. METHODS: From 2006 to 2015, 80 football players were subjected, after ACL reconstruction, to a newly conceived test battery analyzing: Isometric and isokinetic force productionThe different phases during the jumpThe correct control of the landing phase after jumpThe control of valgus during landing after jump and cutting movements. RESULTS: The isokinetic and isometric test do not show any significant relationship with the another test. The laboratory test as well the field test showed them a significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that a normal force production during the laboratory does not guarantee an equally satisfactory production of force during the field test. STUDY DESIGN: Case series (Level III).