Sports Medicine: Evaluating ACL Surgery Recovery with Backward Hops
Thursday, 19 September 2024, 03:03
Understanding ACL Surgery Recovery
In recent findings from a study published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, experts propose a revolutionary approach in assessing recovery from ACL surgery: the backward hop test.
The Importance of Knee Function
- Approximately 120,000 ACL injuries occur annually in the United States.
- One-third of young athletes face re-injury after returning to play post-surgery.
- Recovery assessments should ensure full knee function before resuming sports.
Study Insights
Upon evaluating 34 participants without prior injury, researchers noted significant findings:
- Backward hopping requires greater knee function compared to forward or upward hops.
- Fatigue significantly affects hopping performance, showcasing backward hops' rigorous demands.
- This method might serve as a superior indicator of ACL recovery.
Moreover, backward hops exert twice the knee work compared to other forms of hopping, indicating its effectiveness. As highlighted by lead researcher Yu Song, understanding the mechanics of this test can enhance rehabilitation strategies.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.