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: i. Isometric and isokinetic force production ii. The different phases during the jump iii. The correct control of the landing phase after jump iv. The 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).