Fear of Reinjury Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Manifested in Muscle Activation Patterns of Single-Leg Side-Hop Landings.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether fear of re-injury is manifested in joint kinematics and muscle activation patterns during landings of a standardized rebound side-hop (SRSH), or in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, 38 individuals within 2 years post-ACLR were grouped into HIGH-FEAR (n = 21, median 11.2 months post-surgery) or LOW-FEAR (n = 17, median 10.1 months post-surgery) based on a discriminating question (Q9; Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-17). These individuals and 39 asymptomatic controls performed the SRSH. Three-dimensional motion recordings were used to calculate trunk, hip, and knee joint angles at initial contact and range of respective joint motion during landing. Surface electromyography registered mean amplitudes and co-contraction indexes for thigh muscles during pre-activation (50 ms) and landing phases. PROMs of knee function, knee health, and physical activity were also analyzed. RESULTS: The HIGH-FEAR and LOW-FEAR classification was corroborated by distinct Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-17 total and subscale scores and revealed distinguishable muscle activation patterns. HIGH-FEAR demonstrated higher biceps femoris electromyography amplitude and higher anterior-posterior co-contraction index during landing than both LOW-FEAR and controls. However, there were no fear-related differences for kinematics or PROMs. Instead, both ACLR subgroups showed different kinematics at initial contact to controls; HIGH-FEAR with more trunk, hip, and knee flexion, and LOW-FEAR with more hip and knee flexion. CONCLUSION: Individuals with ACLR who had high fear of re-injury seem to have adopted a protective strategy with higher muscular activation patterns, presumably to stabilize the knee joint, compared with individuals with low fear of re-injury and controls. SRSH landing kinematics or knee-related PROMs may not be as sensitive to fear of re-injury. IMPACT: Fear of reinjury following anterior cruciate ligament injury should be evaluated as an independent psychological outcome throughout rehabilitation after ACLR for improved return to sport transition. LAY SUMMARY: If you have an anterior cruciate ligament injury treated with reconstructive surgery, you might have a high fear of reinjury, and that can change how you activate the muscles around your knee. Your physical therapist can do a simple screening test in addition to functional tests to help reduce your fear and improve your treatment outcomes.

Fear of Reinjury Following Surgical and Nonsurgical Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: An Exploratory Analysis of the NACOX Multicenter Longitudinal Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare fear and certainty of reinjury between follow-up time points and treatment groups (no anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] reconstruction [no ACLR], pre-ACLR, post-ACLR) and to identify prognostic factors for fear of reinjury at 3 and 12 months following injury or ACLR. METHODS: An exploratory analysis of the Natural Corollaries and Recovery After ACL-injury multicenter longitudinal cohort study was conducted. Patients (n = 275) with primary ACL injury and 15 to 40 years of age received usual care (initial physical therapist-supervised rehabilitation, before considering ACLR). Fear of reinjury (as measured with the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Quality of Life instrument [ACL-QOL] item 31 and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury instrument [ACL-RSI] item 9) and certainty of reinjury (as measured with the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale item D2) were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months following ACL injury or ACLR. Comparisons were performed with linear mixed models. Linear regression assessed potential prognostic factors (age, sex, preinjury activity, baseline knee function, baseline general self-efficacy, and expected recovery time) for fear of reinjury (ACL-QOL item 31) at the 3- and 12-month follow-up assessments. RESULTS: Fear of reinjury was common regardless of ACL treatment. Fear of reinjury decreased between 3 and 6 months and 3 and 12 months (mean difference: ACL-QOL = 9 [95% CI = 2 to 15]; ACL-RSI = 21 [95% CI = 13 to 28]) after injury. This improvement was not observed in patients who later underwent ACLR, who reported worse fear of reinjury at 3 months (ACL-QOL = 10 [95% CI = 3 to 18]) and at 12 months (ACL-RSI = 22 [95% CI = 2 to 42]) postinjury compared with those who did not proceed to ACLR. Following ACLR, fear of reinjury decreased between the 3- and 12-month follow-up assessments (ACL-QOL = 10 [95% CI = 4 to 16]; ACL-RSI = 12 [95% CI = 5 to 19]). Greater baseline general self-efficacy was associated with reduced fear of reinjury at 12 months after injury (adjusted coefficient = 1.7 [95% CI = 0.0 to 3.5]). Female sex was related to more fear of reinjury 3 months after ACLR (-14.5 [95% CI = -25.9 to -3.1]), and better baseline knee function was related to reduced fear of reinjury 12 months after ACLR (0.3 [95% CI = 0.0 to 0.7]). CONCLUSION: People who had ACLR reported worse fear of reinjury before surgery than those who did not proceed to ACLR. Different prognostic factors for fear of reinjury were identified in people treated with ACLR and those treated with rehabilitation alone. IMPACT: Fear of reinjury is a concern following ACL injury. Clinicians should evaluate and address reinjury fears. These results may assist in identifying individuals at risk of fear of reinjury following surgical and nonsurgical management of ACL injury.

Fear of Movement and Reinjury in Sports Medicine: Relevance for Rehabilitation and Return to Sport.

Athletes are defined by their ability to move and are often accustomed to pain as it relates to their sports and exercise regime. The forced movement restriction and pain associated with an acute or overuse injury has a profound effect not only on their physical abilities but also on their psychological well-being and social context. With the goal of returning to sport, the rehabilitation focus historically has been on recovery of physical attributes, but more recent research is addressing the psychological factors. This Perspective proposes that-according to the current evidence in sports medicine-the fear that affects choice of treatment, rehabilitation, and return to sports is intertwined with physical capacity and recovery of function. Past injury is also 1 of the main risk factors for a sports injury; therefore, fear of reinjury is not irrational. For an athlete, the fear related to a sports injury encompasses the fear of reinjury along with fear of not being able to return to the sport at their highest performance level-and the fear of having lifelong debilitating pain and symptoms. This Perspective reviews the evidence for the influence of fear of movement and reinjury on choice of treatment, rehabilitation, and return to sport and provides suggestions on how to address this fear during the continuum of treatment and return to sports.

Composite psychosocial risk based on the fear avoidance model in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Cluster-based analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To examine associations between preoperative fear-avoidance model (FAM) risk subgroup status and patient expectation of surgical success with postoperative outcomes at 6 and 12 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: 54 patients (25 females) undergoing unilateral ACLR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cluster analysis distinguished FAM risk subgroups based on preoperative fear of movement/reinjury, self-efficacy, and pain catastrophizing. Preoperative expectation for surgical success was assessed with a numeric rating scale. Six and 12-month outcomes included Subjective Patient Outcomes for Return to Sport, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) sports/recreation and quality of life, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form. RESULTS: Thirteen (24%) patients were "moderate-to-high FAM risk." Moderate-to-high FAM risk patients had lower odds of return to sport at 12 months (OR = 0.3, p = .05) and lower KOOS sports/recreation at 6 months (st. beta = -0.27, p = .05), KOOS quality of life at 12 months (st. beta = -0.42, p = .007), and IKDC at 6 (st. beta = -0.29, p = .04) and 12 months (st. beta = -0.47, p = .001). Higher expectation was associated with lower 6-month IKDC (st. beta = -0.36, p = .008) and 12-month KOOS quality of life (st. beta = -0.29, p = .05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative FAM risk influences patient-reported outcomes and return to sport at 6 and 12 months.

Rehabilitation characteristics and patient barriers to and facilitators of ACL reconstruction rehabilitation: A cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate patient-reported rehabilitation characteristics and barriers to and facilitators of ACL reconstruction rehabilitation. DESIGN: Survey-based study. SETTING: Online survey platform. PARTICIPANTS: Adults 1-20 years post ACL reconstruction (n = 304). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 1) rehabilitation characteristics, 2) barriers to and facilitators of rehabilitation. RESULTS: Fear of re-injury (43.8%) was the highest rating barrier to rehabilitation adherence, while a good relationship with your rehabilitation provider was regarded as the most important factor (83.6%) in facilitating rehabilitation. Rehabilitation frequency reduced across the duration of rehabilitation from most commonly 1 x week (38.2%) in the first three months to once every month (26%) from 6 to 9 months. Almost all participants (95.7%) consulted a rehabilitation provider for the first six months. Only 43.4% of respondents returned to their previous level of sport. The exploratory analysis identified that low barriers to rehabilitation and a longer duration of supervised rehabilitation are associated with a faster return to sport, greater likelihood of return to previous level of sport and fewer reported ongoing problems with the knee. CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional survey provides insight into the patient's experience of rehabilitation practices and a patient's perspective on the key barriers to and facilitators of ACL rehabilitation adherence and participation.

Longitudinal Assessment of Depressive Symptoms After Sport-Related Concussion in a Cohort of High School Athletes.

BACKGROUND: The long-term effect of sport-related concussion on mood in adolescent athletes is largely unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Longitudinal measures of depression will worsen acutely after sport-related concussion and improve with concussion symptom resolution. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A population-based sample of 2160 high school athletes from 31 urban, suburban, and rural high schools completed preseason baseline concussion symptom evaluation and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) assessments over 2 years. Athletic trainers recorded onset of sport-related concussion, and concussed athletes completed the PHQ-9 assessment within 24 to 72 hours, 7 days, date of return to sport, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after sport-related concussion. Scores at each time point were compared to baseline with mixed-effects models and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Sex-based differences were assessed using mixed-effect models. RESULTS: Of the 2160 athletes enrolled in the study, 125 (5.8%; 80 males, 45 females) sustained a sport-related concussion. PHQ-9 scores worsened from baseline at 24 to 72 hours (+1.05; 95% CI, 0.26-1.84; P = 0.003) and 7 days (+0.91; 95% CI, 0.23-1.60; P = 0.006). However, PHQ-9 scores improved from baseline to date of return to sport (-1.38; 95% CI, -2.20 to -0.55; P < 0.001), 3 months (-1.08; 95% CI, -1.88 to -0.28; P = 0.003), 6 months (-1.19; 95% CI, -2.04 to -0.34; P = 0.001), and 12 months after sport-related concussion (-0.76; 95% CI, -1.43 to -0.08; P = 0.028). Female athletes reported more severe concussion symptoms 24 to 72 hours after sport-related concussion compared with male athletes (female, 20.5 [interquartile range (IQR), 10.0-36.2]; male, 9.0 [IQR, 4.0-19.5]; P = 0.003). Neither PHQ-9 scores nor change in PHQ-9 scores differed between male and female athletes at any time point. CONCLUSION: Sport-related concussion did not worsen longitudinal measures of depressed mood in this cohort of high school athletes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Emotional symptoms are common after sport-related concussion, but typically resolve by return to sport.

Chaos and confusion with confidence: Managing fear of Re-Injury after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To explore strategies enabling competitive athletes to manage re-injury fears or anxieties, facilitating return to competitive sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: University. PARTICIPANTS: Ten athletes with ACLR within the last 5 years who had returned to competitive sport with a minimum 7/10 Tegner Activity score. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews, recorded, transcribed and analysed using interpretive description. RESULTS: Three main themes. "Driving reasons to return to sport" included the athletic identity, the competitive team spirit and commitment; "Preparation of body and mind" encompassed connectedness with health professionals, coaches, the sports team and family, graded exposure and progression of physical tasks, and psychological or cognitive skills to improve mental toughness; "Risk Acceptance" entailed situational risk analysis, problem solving, and avoidance of unacceptable risk and acceptance of risk and responsibility. CONCLUSION: Participants described intrinsic and extrinsic motivators as drivers for rehabilitation. Interactions with therapists, coaches and team members enhanced confidence, supported by both physical rehabilitation and psychological influences. Psychological strategies were essential for several participants to return to sport. Graded sports exposure, leading towards total immersion in training and competition, appears important to manage re-injury fear following ACLR.

Retorno deportivo luego de reconstrucción primaria de ligamento cruzado anterior con injerto hueso-tendón patelar-hueso autólogo: análisis de factores relacionados / Return to play after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft: analysis of related factors

OBJECTIVE: Analyze return to sports and related factors after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Observational descriptive study. 173 patients operated by the same surgeon and standardized technique (patellar autograft) who answered a questionnaire at least 12 months post procedure were included. Questionnaire included Subjective IKDC, Tegner activity level (Pre and Postoperative) and questions elaborated by the group. RESULTS: Mean age was 30.8 years, 85% were men, 73% practiced soccer and median postoperative IKDC was 71. Follow up until questionnaire response was 28 months. Males had a better return to sports than females (70% vs 48%, p » 0.037). Tegner preinjury level was 5 vs 4.3 postoperative, (p < 0.001). Return to sports was 67% according to Tegner scale and 66% by self-assessment. Return to similar previous activity level was 57% by Tegner scale but 24% by direct questions. Of those patients, 51% have fear of reinjury and 26% by reasons other than knee or surgery. We didn't find association between meniscal injuries and return to sports rate. Patients with chondral injuries had lower rates in return to sports (35% vs 60%, p » 0.002). Subjects that returned to sports had higher IKDC scores (73.5 vs 64.3, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found 67% return to sports and 57% to the preinjury level. Positive return to sports factors were male sex, absence of chondral injury and better functional outcome. Psychological factors such as fear of injury is frequent in patients who don't achieve previous levels of activity.

OBJETIVOS: Analizar el retorno deportivo y factores asociados tras la reconstrucción primaria de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se incluyeron 173 operados entre 2014 y 2017 por el mismo cirujano, los cuales contestaron un cuestionario al menos 12 meses después de la cirugía. El cuestionario incluye IKDC subjetivo, Tegner activity level (pre y post operatorio) y preguntas de elaboración propia. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio es 30,8 años, el 85% son hombres, el 73% practicaba fútbol y la mediana del IKDC fue 71. La media de meses hasta responder el cuestionario fue de 28 meses. Tegner pre-lesión promedio fue de 5 vs 4,3 postoperatorio, p < 0,001. Según la escala Tegner el 57% retorna al mismo nivel previo, sin embargo, de acuerdo con el cuestionario propio solo el 24% lo haría. De ese subgrupo, el 51% tiene temor a lesionarse de nuevo y el 26% reporta razones no relacionadas a la rodilla. No encontramos asociación entre lesiones meniscales y la tasa de retorno. Aquellos que retornan tienen menor prevalencia de lesiones condrales (35% vs 60%, p » 0,002). Los pacientes que retornaron tuvieron un IKDC superior (73,5 vs 64,3, p < 0,001). El sexo masculino tiene una tasa de retorno de 70% vs 48% de su contraparte femenina (p » 0,037). CONCLUSIONES: El 67% retorna al deporte y el 57% lo hace al mismo nivel. Factores positivos relacionados al retorno fueron sexo masculino, ausencia de lesión condral y mejor resultado funcional. Factores psicológicos con el miedo a lesionarse de nuevo son frecuentes en pacientes que no recuperan el nivel previo.

Fear Avoidance Following Musculoskeletal Injury in Male Adolescent Gaelic Footballers.

CONTEXT: Participating in Gaelic football provides a wealth of benefits, but a risk of musculoskeletal injury also exists. Injury is associated with physical consequences, including pain, discomfort, loss of function, time absent from school/sport, and considerable medical expenses, along with placing undue pressure on emergency services and hospital staff. Concurrent psychological consequences, such as fear avoidance, can also occur, causing psychological distress. There is a current dearth of available research examining the psychology of injury in male adolescent Gaelic footballers. OBJECTIVE: To examine fear avoidance postinjury in male adolescent Gaelic footballers, the effect of pain, time loss, injury severity, and previous injury on the extent of fear avoidance, and the usefulness of a modified Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ) as a screening tool for predicting injury. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Recreational clubs. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 97 male adolescent club Gaelic footballers (13.4 [1.1] y). INTERVENTIONS: Musculoskeletal injuries sustained during participation in Gaelic football, defined as any injury sustained during training or competition causing restricted performance or time lost from play, were assessed and recorded weekly by a certified athletic and rehabilitation therapist. Injuries requiring time loss from participation were classed as time-loss injuries. Injury characteristics that included type, nature, location, severity, and pain were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Injured players completed the AFAQ, a measure of injury-related fear avoidance following injury assessment (AFAQ1). With time-loss injuries, the AFAQ was completed again (AFAQ2) prior to return to play. Modified AFAQ was completed at baseline. RESULTS: Twenty-two injuries were recorded during the season with fear avoidance evident postinjury that significantly decreased before returning to play. Fear avoidance postinjury was higher in those with greater pain but time loss, injury severity, and previous injury did not significantly affect the extent of fear avoidance. Baseline fear avoidance did not predict injury. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological rehabilitation is recommended for managing postinjury psychological distress in male adolescent Gaelic footballers.