Rate of Force Development as an Adjunctive Outcome Measure for Return-to-Sport Decisions After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Despite the near recovery of MVIC strength to preinjury levels, there were still significant deficits in RFD at 6 months post-ACL reconstruction. An RFD similar to the preinjury RFD was achieved at 12 months post-ACL reconstruction, following a rehabilitation program focusing on muscle power. These results suggest that, following an ACL reconstruction, RFD criteria may be a useful adjunct outcome measure for the decision to return athletes to sports. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(9):772-780, Epub 19 July 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3780.