Validation of a Composite Test for Assessment of Readiness for Return to Sports After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The K-STARTS Test:

Background:There is limited information on the appropriate timing of return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A composite test was developed to assess the athlete’s ability to return to sports after ACL reconstruction: the Knee Santy Athletic Return To Sport (K-STARTS) test.Hypothesis:The K-STARTS test meets validation criteria for an outcome score assessing readiness for return to sports after ACL reconstruction.Study Design:Diagnostic study.Level of Evidence:Level 3.Methods:A prospective comparative study identified 410 participants: 371 participants who had undergone ACL reconstruction and a control group of 39 healthy participants. The K-STARTS score is calculated as the sum of 7 tests (8 components), for a maximal value of 21 points. Construct validity, internal consistency, discriminant validity, and sensitivity to change were used to validate this new test.Results:The K-STARTS assessment showed a high completion rate (100%), high reproducibility (intraclass correlatio...