Factors Associated With Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has a significant psychological effect, and a negative psychological state is a commonly cited reason for a reduction or cessation of sports participation after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) surgery.Purpose:To identify factors that contribute to an athlete’s psychological readiness to return to sport (RTS) after ACLR.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A cohort of 635 athletes (389 male, 246 female) who underwent ACLR and had been cleared to RTS completed the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) scale at an average 12 months (range, 11-24 months) after surgery. Demographics (age, sex), sporting outcomes (preinjury frequency), surgical timing (injury to surgery interval), clinical factors (laxity), functional measures (single-limb hop symmetry), and symptoms of pain and function (International Knee Documentation Committee subjective) were also taken, and univariate and multiple regression models were us...