Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The anterior cruciate ligament is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee, with only one third of athletes returning to their pre-injury level of sport. Identifying intrinsic factors associated with an increased likelihood of return to sport may improve the surgical outcome. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed. The objective was to systematically appraise publications describing intrinsic factors which may be associated with return to sport, after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A comprehensive eligibility checklist was composed. Methodological quality appraisal of cohort studies revealed that high quality studies were included in the review. A descriptive synthesis of the findings associating intrinsic factors with return to sport was performed. Ten studies were included. The most important finding was the association of fear of re-injury preventing return to sports participation. Knee function did not always correspond with the likelihood of returning to sport. Younger athletes and competitive, male athletes appeared more likely to return. Across these studies, the 141 athletes not returning to pre-injury sport were questioned as to the reason for non return. An average of 35% (49 athletes) cited fear of re-injury as the reason. Fear of re-injury was thus investigated further as it could be considered in the post-operative management of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In a qualitative study with supplemental cross-sectional analysis, factors informing fear of re-injury were explored. Male and female athletes, aged 17-50 years were included (n=59). Reconstruction procedures using any graft type were included; however revision and multi-ligament reconstruction was excluded. Twenty-four participants (41%) did not return to the pre-injury sport. Those citing fear of re-injury as the only reason for not-retuning to sport were interviewed (n=12). Thus, those who did not return to pre-injury type and level of sport despite good knee function. Athletes’ experiences informing fear of re-injury were explored by semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed by content analysis. Codes were allocated and categorised and these categories were synthesised into themes. The Qualitative review guidelines – RATS were followed. From the participant interviews, four themes emerged: undergoing the surgery and recovery again, nature of the pre-injury sport imposing risk of re-injury, personality traits, and social priorities. An accelerated rehabilitation programme was suggested to improve the post–operative experience. The supplementary analysis revealed athletes younger than 20 years of age were more likely to return to sport. Modifiable fears include pain, length of rehabilitation, mechanism of injury and psychological aspects. Pain management, motivation and education are important considerations post-operatively and during rehabilitation. Clinicians should be aware of factors informing fear of re-injury on an individual basis to develop a tailored management plan. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: OPSOMMING Die anterior kruisligament is die mees algemeen beseerde ligamente in die knie, met slegs een derde van die atlete wat terugkeer na hul pre-besering vlak van sport. Identifisering van intrinsieke faktore wat verband hou met 'n verhoogde moontlikheid van terugkeer na sport kan die chirurgiese uitkoms verbeter. 'n Sistematiese oorsig wat die Voorkeur Verslag Items vir Sistematiese oorsig en Meta-ontledingsriglyne volg, is uitgevoer . Die doel was om stelselmatig publikasies, wat intrinsieke faktore beskryf wat verband hou met terugkeer na sport na anterior kruisligament rekonstruksie, te beoordeel. 'n Omvattende kontrolelys is saamgestel. Metodologiese kwaliteit beoordeling van ‘n groep studies het 'n hoë gehalte studie aan die lig gebring, wat ingesluit is in die oorsig. 'n Beskrywende sintese van die bevindinge wat intrinsieke faktore met die terugkeer na sport assosieer, is uitgevoer. Tien studies is ingesluit. Die belangrikste bevinding wat terugkeer na sportdeelname verhinder was die vrees van herbesering. Kniefunksie het nie altyd ooreengestem met die moontlikheid van terugkeer na sport nie. Jonger atlete en wedywerende manlike atlete was meer geneig om terug te keer. In al die ingesluite studies, is die 141 atlete wat nie teruggekeer het na sport voorbesering ondervra oor die rede vir nie terugkeer. 'n Gemiddeld van 35% (49 atlete) het vrees vir herbesering as rede aangevoer. Vrees vir herbesering is dus verder ondersoek, as oorwegende faktor in die post-operatiewe bestuur van anterior kruisligament rekonstruksie. In 'n primêre, kwalitatiewe studie met aanvullende deursnee-analise, is die redes vir die vrees vir herbesering ondersoek. Manlike en vroulike atlete, tussen die ouderdomme van 17-50 jaar is ingesluit (n = 59). Rekonstruksie prosedures deur enige soort oorplanting is ingesluit; hersiening en verskeie ligament rekonstruksie is egter uitgesluit. Vier-en-twintig deelnemers (41%) het nie teruggekeer na die pre-besering sport nie. Diegene wat vrees vir herbesering as die enigste rede vir nie terugkering na sport aanvoer, is onderhoude mee gevoer (n = 12). Dus, diegene wat nie teruggekeer het na pre-besering, tipe en vlak, van sport ten spyte van goeie knie funksie. Die redes vir die vrees vir herbesering is ondersoek deur semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude. Dataanalise is uitgevoer deur die inhoud / tematiese analise. Kodes is toegeken en gekategoreer. Hierdie kategorieë is herverdeel in temas. Uit die deelnemer onderhoude, het vier temas na vore gekom: die operasie en herstel proses, die aard van die prebesering sport as risiko vir herbesering, persoonlikheidseienskappe en sosiale prioriteite. 'n Versnelde rehabilitasieprogram is voorgestel om die post-operatiewe ervaring te verbeter. Die aanvullende analise het getoon dat atlete jonger as 20 jaar oud meer geneig was om terug te keer na die sport. Aanpasbare oorsake van vrees sluit in pyn, die lengte van rehabilitasie, meganisme van besering en sielkundige aspekte. Pyn bestuur, motivering en opvoeding is belangrike oorwegings post-operatief en tydens rehabilitasie. Dokters en fisioterapeute moet bewus wees van die vrees vir herbesering en die veranderbare oorsake daarvan ondersoek op 'n individuele basis om 'n pasient spesifieke bestuursplan te ontwikkel.

<p><strong>Objective</strong>: To perform an environmental survey of clinical practice amongst surgeons and physiotherapists in making return to sport (RTS) decisions following ACL reconstruction (ACLR); to gain a better understanding of how clinicians and patients define successful return to sport; and to compare patients’ level of satisfaction with their current level of activity following ACLR.</p> <p><strong>Design: </strong>Multidisciplinary cross sectional study.</p> <p><strong>Setting</strong>: Online</p> <p><strong>Participants:</strong> Orthopaedic surgeons and registered physiotherapists; and patients who had undergone ACLR within the previous 6-18 months.</p> <p><strong>Interventions: </strong>Surgeons and physiotherapists completed separate web surveys, each consisting of 10 closed format questions that included sections on demographics, outcome measures, treatment procedures, and RTS decisions. Patients completed a web survey consisting of 19 questions about their activity level, their experience surrounding the process of rehabilitation after ACLR, and their decisions surrounding RTS.</p> <p><strong>Main Outcome Measures</strong><strong>: </strong>Descriptive and subjective data were collected for all groups. Clinician responses were compared for differences in frequencies of clinical outcome measures used to decide RTS readiness. Frequency data were collected for all groups for the definition of successful RTS following ACLR using a self-report form. The relationship between patient satisfaction and current level of activity following ACLR was compared using the Tegner Activity Scale and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE).</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> All patients were unanimous in their definition of successful RTS post ACLR as the ability to fully participate in pre-injury level of sport with no limitations or deficits (100%), and restoring functional stability (100%). Mean Tegner activity level scores of respondents decreased a mean of 3.4 (SD ± 2.5) from pre-injury to current level of activity (p < 0.011). However, no significant decrease from pre-injury level of activity to expected level of activity post surgery was seen. A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between patients’ level of satisfaction and current level of activity (r = 0.84, p = 0.02), with higher levels of activity associated with increased levels of satisfaction. Overall, the majority of clinician respondents reported that jump tests, range of motion (ROM), Lachman clinical test of stability, pain, swelling, functional movement and giving way contributed to their RTS decisions. Unanimous consensus existed between clinicians for the ability to participate in any level of sport, with or without limitations, as the definition of successful RTS following ACLR.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Following ACLR, medically cleared patients had not met their high expectations of functional stability and ability to return to their pre-injury level of sport. The discordance between unmet expectations and current level of sporting activity was reflected in lower rates of patient satisfaction. Most clinicians reported using primarily impairment based not self-report measures to contribute to their RTS decisions. Clinicians and patients expressed subtle differences in their definition of successful RTS.</p> <p><strong>Clinical Relevance: </strong>Establishing an operational definition of success, and professional consensus on measures which include patient reported outcomes is an important next step in the development of goal oriented RTS guidelines.</p> / Master of Science Rehabilitation Science (MSc)

Bakgrund: I Sverige uppkommer varje år runt 100 000 idrottsskador som kräver vård. Idrottsskador förekommer i stor utsträckning inom truppgymnastik, den största disciplinen inom svensk gymnastik. Fysioterapeutens roll i rehabilitering av idrottsskador syftar till att stödja läkningsprocessen men också till att försöka minimera de negativa följderna som en eventuell skadefrånvaro kan innebära, ur ett såväl fysiologiskt som psykosocialt perspektiv. Det finns i studieförfattarnas vetskap inga studier om truppgymnasters upplevelse av rehabiliteringsprocessen trots att detta är en idrott med helt unika krav. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att undersöka truppgymnasters upplevelser av rehabiliteringsprocessen för återgång till idrott efter skada. Metod: Kvalitativ deskriptiv design med semistrukturerade intervjuer. Sex tidigare skadade truppgymnaster som var aktiva på SM-nivå inkluderades i studien. Kvalitativ innehållsanalys med induktiv ansats användes som analysmetod. Resultat: Analysen resulterade i arton underkategorier indelade i fem kategorier: Tankar och känslor under rehabiliteringstiden, Utmanande faktorer vid genomförandet av rehabiliteringen, Omständigheter som påverkade genomförandet av rehabiliteringen positivt, Fysioterapeutens förmågor och insatser och Stödet från den sociala omgivningen. Slutsats: Resultatet i den här studien pekar på att såväl fysiska, psykologiska som sociala faktorer kan påverka upplevelsen av rehabiliteringsprocessen hos skadade truppgymnaster. / Background: Approximately 100 000 sport injuries that require medical care, occur in Sweden every year. Sport injuries are common in teamgym, the gymnastics discipline with the largest number of members in Sweden. In rehabilitation the physiotherapist´s role is to support the healing process and minimize negative consequences following injury absence, considering both physical and psychosocial aspects. According to the authors knowledge no study exists that examine teamgymnasts’ experience of the rehabilitation process, even though the sport has unique demands.  Aim: To explore teamgymnasts’ experience of the rehabilitation process in returning to sport after injury. Method: Qualitative descriptive design. Semistructured interviews were conducted. Six previously injured teamgymnasts competing at national level were included. Qualitative content analysis with inductive approach was used to analyze the data. Results: The analysis resulted in 18 subcategories devided into five categories: Cognitions and emotions during rehabilitation, Challenging factors during the performance of rehabilitation, Circumstances that positively influenced the performance of rehabilitation, Abilities and contributions of the physiotherapist, Support from the social environment.  Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that both physical and psychosocial factors may influence the experience of the rehabilitation process among injured teamgymnasts.

Objective: It is unclear whether and to what extent COVID-19 infection poses health risks and a chronic impairment of performance in athletes. Identification of individual health risk is an important decision-making basis for managing the pandemic risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 in sports and return to play (RTP). Methods: This study aims 1) to analyze the longitudinal rate of seroprevalence of SARSCoV- 2 in German athletes, 2) to assess health-related consequences in athletes infected with SARS-CoV-2, and 3) to reveal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in general and of a cleared SARS-CoV-2 infection on exercise performance. CoSmo-S is a prospective observational multicenter study establishing two cohorts: 1) athletes diagnosed positive for COVID-19 (cohort 1) and 2) federal squad athletes who perform their annual sports medical preparticipation screening (cohort 2). Comprehensive diagnostics including physical examination, laboratory blood analyses and blood biobanking, resting and exercise electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, spirometry and exercise testing added by questionnaires are conducted at baseline and follow-up. Results and Conclusion: We expect that the results obtained, will allow us to formulate recommendations regarding RTP on a more evidence-based level.

Inledning: Ny statistik visar att handboll är den lagidrott med störst förekomst av skador. Många kliniska studier beskriver svårigheterna med att veta när en spelare säkert kan återgå till idrott efter skada. I dagsläget jämförs det skadade benet med det friska vad gäller exempelvis muskelstyrka vid återgång till idrott. Det som i dagsläget är oklart är om det hos handbollsspelare är lämpligt att använda det friska benet som kontrollben. Syfte: Syftet var att undersöka hypotesen att kvinnliga handbollsspelare på elitnivå är starkare och har en bättre funktionell förmåga i sitt hoppben kontra icke- hoppben. Metod: En kvantitativ hypotesprövande tvärsnittsstudie utfördes där totalt 11 friska kvinnliga spelare i elitserien i handboll deltog. Deltagarna utförde vid ett tillfälle tre olika enbenstester vilka var sittande knäextensionsstyrka en repetition maximum (1 RM), enbensuppresning från box 30 sek samt enbenslängdhopp. Resultat: Deltagarna visade signifikant större styrka i hoppbenet kontra icke hoppbenet i knäextension 1 RM (p=0,03). Inga signifikanta skillnader kunde däremot påvisas mellan hoppben och icke-hoppben i enbensuppresning (p= 0,53) eller enbens längdhopp (p= 0,31). Slutsats: Studien visar att kvinnliga handbollsspelare är signifikant starkare i sitt hoppben kontra icke-hoppben i knäextension. Vid bedömning av muskelstyrka i samband med återgång till idrott efter knäskada på hoppbenet bör därför strängare kriterier än idag användas, förslagsvis 100 procent av icke-hoppben. Vid enbensuppresningstest och enbens längdhopp noterades inte några signifikanta sidoskillnader mellan hoppben kontra icke-hoppben, vilket gör att standardkriteriet, 90 procent förmåga jämfört med friskt ben bedöms vara tillräckligt för dessa test.       Nyckelord: Enbenstest, Lagidrott, Sidoskillnader, Återgång till idrott / Introduction: New statistics show that handball has the highest incidents of injuries in comparison to other team sports. Many clinical studies describe the difficulty of knowing when a player can safely return to sports after an injury. The meisurment in muscle strength before returning to sports is today a comparisment between the injuried leg and the healthy leg. It is rather unclear wether it is appropriate to use the healthy leg as the control leg when it comes to handball players. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis whether elite female handball players are stronger and have better functional capability in their jump leg compared to the non-jump leg. Method: A quantitative hypothesis examining study of 11 female players in the swedish handball premier league. Participants performed three different one leg tests each. These where, maximum strength seated knee extension using one repetition maximum (1 RM). One leg raised from a box for 30 seconds and one leg horizontal jump. Results: The participants had significantly greater strength in the jump leg versus the non-jump leg in the knee extension at 1 RM (p= 0.03). However no significant differences could be found between the jump leg and the non-jump leg in one leg raises (p=0.53) and in the one leg horizontal jump (p=0.31). Conclusion: This study has shown that female handball players are significantly stronger in their jump leg compared to the non-jump leg in knee extension. In assessing muscle strength associated with returning to the sport after an knee injury in the jump leg there should be a stricter criteria used. For example a 100 precent of the non-jump leg. The tests of the one leg raises and the one leg horizontal jumps found no significant differences between the jump leg and the non-jump leg. This results in the standard criteria of the 90 precent capacity comparing the injuried leg and healthy leg and therefore would be concidered sufficient enough for these tests when returning to sports.       Keywords: One leg tests, Team sports, Side differences, Return to sport

A lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) é incapacitante para vários esportes pela instabilidade e deficiência funcional. O tratamento indicado é a reconstrução cirúrgica do ligamento, no entanto, nem sempre a recuperação funcional após a operação é suficiente para o retorno ao esporte. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o controle postural dinâmico, a força muscular e o parâmetro funcional medido pelo Hop Test de atletas com e sem lesão do LCA. Métodos: Foram incluídos 74 atletas, 60 homens e 14 mulheres, com idades entre 16 e 45 anos, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo-Lesão LCA (GL) com 34 atletas (25,05 anos ± 6,82) e Grupo-Controle (GC) com 40 atletas sem lesão de LCA (27,7 anos ± 8,16). Todos os voluntários realizaram posturografia, dinamometria isocinética e o Hop Test. O GL foi avaliado antes e 12 meses após a reconstrução. O Grupocontrole (GC) foi avaliado num único momento. Resultados: Nas comparações pré e pós-operatórias do GL: a posturografia mostrou maior área de deslocamento no pré-operatório; na dinamometria isocinética, o pico de torque e trabalho total foram maiores no pós-operatório, mas a relação entre músculos flexores e extensores foi menor que a preconizada em ambas as avaliações (pré e pós-operatório); no Hop Test, a distância saltada e a simetria entre os membros foram maiores no pós-operatório. Na comparação com o GC, a posturografia mostrou maior oscilação anteroposterior e menor oscilação mediolateral no GL pré-operatório; na dinamometria isocinética, o pico de torque e trabalho total foram maiores no pré-operatório. No pós-operatório, GL mostrou maior relação entre flexores e extensores que GC. Conclusão: Os atletas submetidos à reconstrução do LCA apresentaram melhor desempenho funcional na avaliação pós-operatória quando comparados com o pré-operatório e com GC. Porém, os parâmetros isocinéticos apresentaram recuperação incompleta / The injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is crippling for various sports by instability and functional impairment. The recommended treatment is surgical ligament reconstruction, however, sometimes that functional recovery after operation is not enough to return to the sport. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamic postural control, muscle strength, and functional parameter measured by Hop Test of athletes with and without ACL injury. Method: We included 74 athletes, 60 men and 14 women, who are between 16 and 45 years old, divided into two groups: Injury Group (GL) with 34 athletes (25.05 years ± 6.82) and Group Control (GC) with 40 athletes without ACL injury (27.7 years ± 8.16). All volunteers held posturography, isokinetic dynamometry and the Hop Test. The GL was assessed before and 12 months after the reconstruction. The Control Group was evaluated in a single moment. Results: Pre and postoperative comparison of GL: posturography showed greater area of displacement; in isokinetic dynamometry, peak torque and total work were higher in the postoperative period, but the relationship between flexors and extensors muscles was lower than recommended in both evaluation (pre and postoperative); in Hop Test, the distance hopped and the symmetry between the limbs was greater in the postoperative period. In comparison to the GC, posturography showed greater anteroposterior oscillation and lower mediolateral oscillation in preoperative GL; in isokinetic dynamometry, peak torque and total work were higher in GL preoperative. In postoperative period GL showed higher relationship between flexors and extensors than GC. Conclusion: The athletes submitted to ACL reconstruction showed better functional performance in postoperative assessment when surgery was compared to the preoperative period, and to GC. However, isokinetic parameters showed incomplete recovery

A lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) é incapacitante para vários esportes pela instabilidade e deficiência funcional. O tratamento indicado é a reconstrução cirúrgica do ligamento, no entanto, nem sempre a recuperação funcional após a operação é suficiente para o retorno ao esporte. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o controle postural dinâmico, a força muscular e o parâmetro funcional medido pelo Hop Test de atletas com e sem lesão do LCA. Métodos: Foram incluídos 74 atletas, 60 homens e 14 mulheres, com idades entre 16 e 45 anos, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo-Lesão LCA (GL) com 34 atletas (25,05 anos ± 6,82) e Grupo-Controle (GC) com 40 atletas sem lesão de LCA (27,7 anos ± 8,16). Todos os voluntários realizaram posturografia, dinamometria isocinética e o Hop Test. O GL foi avaliado antes e 12 meses após a reconstrução. O Grupocontrole (GC) foi avaliado num único momento. Resultados: Nas comparações pré e pós-operatórias do GL: a posturografia mostrou maior área de deslocamento no pré-operatório; na dinamometria isocinética, o pico de torque e trabalho total foram maiores no pós-operatório, mas a relação entre músculos flexores e extensores foi menor que a preconizada em ambas as avaliações (pré e pós-operatório); no Hop Test, a distância saltada e a simetria entre os membros foram maiores no pós-operatório. Na comparação com o GC, a posturografia mostrou maior oscilação anteroposterior e menor oscilação mediolateral no GL pré-operatório; na dinamometria isocinética, o pico de torque e trabalho total foram maiores no pré-operatório. No pós-operatório, GL mostrou maior relação entre flexores e extensores que GC. Conclusão: Os atletas submetidos à reconstrução do LCA apresentaram melhor desempenho funcional na avaliação pós-operatória quando comparados com o pré-operatório e com GC. Porém, os parâmetros isocinéticos apresentaram recuperação incompleta / The injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is crippling for various sports by instability and functional impairment. The recommended treatment is surgical ligament reconstruction, however, sometimes that functional recovery after operation is not enough to return to the sport. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamic postural control, muscle strength, and functional parameter measured by Hop Test of athletes with and without ACL injury. Method: We included 74 athletes, 60 men and 14 women, who are between 16 and 45 years old, divided into two groups: Injury Group (GL) with 34 athletes (25.05 years ± 6.82) and Group Control (GC) with 40 athletes without ACL injury (27.7 years ± 8.16). All volunteers held posturography, isokinetic dynamometry and the Hop Test. The GL was assessed before and 12 months after the reconstruction. The Control Group was evaluated in a single moment. Results: Pre and postoperative comparison of GL: posturography showed greater area of displacement; in isokinetic dynamometry, peak torque and total work were higher in the postoperative period, but the relationship between flexors and extensors muscles was lower than recommended in both evaluation (pre and postoperative); in Hop Test, the distance hopped and the symmetry between the limbs was greater in the postoperative period. In comparison to the GC, posturography showed greater anteroposterior oscillation and lower mediolateral oscillation in preoperative GL; in isokinetic dynamometry, peak torque and total work were higher in GL preoperative. In postoperative period GL showed higher relationship between flexors and extensors than GC. Conclusion: The athletes submitted to ACL reconstruction showed better functional performance in postoperative assessment when surgery was compared to the preoperative period, and to GC. However, isokinetic parameters showed incomplete recovery

INTRODUÇÃO: A lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) é considerada uma lesão grave e pode afetar a carreira de um jogador de futebol profissional. O tratamento cirúrgico é frequentemente necessário para o tratamento da instabilidade. Embora a reconstrução do LCA seja considerada um procedimento eficaz em restaurar a estabilidade articular, a literatura mostra que apenas 55% dos atletas retornam à prática de esportes competitivos após a cirurgia. Jogadores de futebol profissional dependem de habilidades técnicas, táticas e físicas, como boa função do joelho e capacidade aeróbia. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a capacidade aeróbia em jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo com lesão do LCA e após seis meses de reabilitação pós-operatória. MÉTODOS: Vinte jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo com lesão do LCA foram submetidos a reconstrução do LCA com tendões flexores autólogos e foram comparados com 20 jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo em atividade, sem histórico de lesão no joelho. Avaliamos a capacidade aeróbia máxima pelo consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) e submáxima pelos limiares ventilatórios (LV1 e LV2), avaliados por ergoespirometria em esteira utilizando o protocolo de Heck modificado. Os testes foram realizados no pré-operatório e aos seis meses de pós-operatório e os resultados comparados ao grupo controle de jogadores profissionais em plena atividade. Também realizamos questionários de função subjetiva do joelho (Lysholm e IKDC), dinamometria isocinética computadorizada e avaliação da composição corporal por bioimpedância. RESULTADOS: No grupo com lesão do LCA a média da idade foi de 21,7 anos, enquanto no grupo controle foi de 22,1 anos (p=0,99). O intervalo de tempo a lesão e a cirurgia foi, em média, cinco meses. No pré-operatório, o VO2max, em mL/kg/min, foi em média ? desvio padrão de 45,2 +- 4,3, aos seis meses de pós-operatório 48,9 +- 3,8 (p < 0,001) e no grupo controle 56,9 +- 4,2 (p < 0,001 comparado ao pré-operatório e pós-operatório). A porcentagem de gordura corporal, em média +- desvio padrão, no pré-operatório foi de 14,7+- 3,7, no pós-operatório 14,9 +- 5,4 e no grupo controle 12,8 +- 4, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. Os resultados do questionário Lysholm no pré-operatório, pós-operatório e no grupo controle foram, em média, 77,25, 94,12 e 97,5 (p < 0,05 em todas as comparações) e do questionário IKDC subjetivo foram 59,46, 87,75 e 97,28 (p < 0,001 em todas as comparações). O déficit de pico de torque de extensão do joelho a 60 O/s, foi de 21,5% no pré-operatório, 15,7% no pós-operatório (p=0,63) e 3,1% no grupo controle (p < 0,001 com relação ao pré-operatório e pós-operatório). CONCLUSÃO: Os jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo avaliados seis meses após a reconstrução do LCA apresentaram VO2max significativamente inferior aos resultados do grupo controle, embora os resultados pós-operatórios tenham sido significativamente superiores aos observados no pré-operatório. Houve uma melhora significativa nos scores de função do joelho no pós-operatório com relação ao pré-operatório e a composição corporal dos indivíduos não apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significativas / INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a severe injury and may impact a professional football player\'s career. Surgical treatment is often indicated due to knee instability. Although ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is considered a successful procedure in restoring knee stability in athletes, it has been shown that only 55% return to competitive sports after surgery. Professional football players need technical, tactical and physical skills to succeed, including adequate knee function and aerobic capacity. Our purpose is to evaluate aerobic capacity in professional football players with ACL injury and six months after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty professional football players underwent ACL reconstruction with autologous hamstring grafts and were compared to 20 active, uninjured professional football players. We assessed maximal aerobic capacity with maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and submaximal with ventilatory thresholds, measured by ergoespirometric test performed in a treadmill with a modified Heck protocol. The tests were performed pre-operatively and six months after ACLR, and compared to the control group. We also performed knee function questionnaires (Lysholm and IKDC), isokinetic strength test and body composition evaluation with electric bioimpedance. RESULTS: ACL group average age was 21.7 y.o., and control group 22.1 y.o.(p=.99). Time span between injury and surgery was 5 months, in average. Pre-operative VO2max was 45.2 +- 4.3 mL/kg/min, post-operative was 48.9 +- 3.8 (p > .001) and control group was 56.9 +- 4.2 (p < 001 in both comparisons). Pre-op body fat percentage was 14.7+-3.7, post-op was 14.9 +- 5.4 and control 12.8 +- 4 (n.s.). Lysholm questionnaire results were 77.25, 94.12, and 97.5 (pre-op, post-op and control, respectively, p <. 05 in all comparisons). IKDC results were 59.46, 87.75 and 97.28 (pre-op, post-op and control, respectively, p < .001 in all comparisons). Preop peak torque isokinetic knee extension deficit at 60°/s was 21.5%, postop 15.7% (p=.63) and control 3.1% (p <. 001). CONCLUSION: Professional football players had significantly lower VO2max six months after ACLR compared to controls, although their results were significantly higher than observed pre-operatively. There was a significant improvement in knee function scores after ACLR. Body composition evaluation was not significant different among the groups evaluated

INTRODUÇÃO: A lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) é considerada uma lesão grave e pode afetar a carreira de um jogador de futebol profissional. O tratamento cirúrgico é frequentemente necessário para o tratamento da instabilidade. Embora a reconstrução do LCA seja considerada um procedimento eficaz em restaurar a estabilidade articular, a literatura mostra que apenas 55% dos atletas retornam à prática de esportes competitivos após a cirurgia. Jogadores de futebol profissional dependem de habilidades técnicas, táticas e físicas, como boa função do joelho e capacidade aeróbia. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a capacidade aeróbia em jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo com lesão do LCA e após seis meses de reabilitação pós-operatória. MÉTODOS: Vinte jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo com lesão do LCA foram submetidos a reconstrução do LCA com tendões flexores autólogos e foram comparados com 20 jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo em atividade, sem histórico de lesão no joelho. Avaliamos a capacidade aeróbia máxima pelo consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) e submáxima pelos limiares ventilatórios (LV1 e LV2), avaliados por ergoespirometria em esteira utilizando o protocolo de Heck modificado. Os testes foram realizados no pré-operatório e aos seis meses de pós-operatório e os resultados comparados ao grupo controle de jogadores profissionais em plena atividade. Também realizamos questionários de função subjetiva do joelho (Lysholm e IKDC), dinamometria isocinética computadorizada e avaliação da composição corporal por bioimpedância. RESULTADOS: No grupo com lesão do LCA a média da idade foi de 21,7 anos, enquanto no grupo controle foi de 22,1 anos (p=0,99). O intervalo de tempo a lesão e a cirurgia foi, em média, cinco meses. No pré-operatório, o VO2max, em mL/kg/min, foi em média ? desvio padrão de 45,2 +- 4,3, aos seis meses de pós-operatório 48,9 +- 3,8 (p < 0,001) e no grupo controle 56,9 +- 4,2 (p < 0,001 comparado ao pré-operatório e pós-operatório). A porcentagem de gordura corporal, em média +- desvio padrão, no pré-operatório foi de 14,7+- 3,7, no pós-operatório 14,9 +- 5,4 e no grupo controle 12,8 +- 4, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. Os resultados do questionário Lysholm no pré-operatório, pós-operatório e no grupo controle foram, em média, 77,25, 94,12 e 97,5 (p < 0,05 em todas as comparações) e do questionário IKDC subjetivo foram 59,46, 87,75 e 97,28 (p < 0,001 em todas as comparações). O déficit de pico de torque de extensão do joelho a 60 O/s, foi de 21,5% no pré-operatório, 15,7% no pós-operatório (p=0,63) e 3,1% no grupo controle (p < 0,001 com relação ao pré-operatório e pós-operatório). CONCLUSÃO: Os jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo avaliados seis meses após a reconstrução do LCA apresentaram VO2max significativamente inferior aos resultados do grupo controle, embora os resultados pós-operatórios tenham sido significativamente superiores aos observados no pré-operatório. Houve uma melhora significativa nos scores de função do joelho no pós-operatório com relação ao pré-operatório e a composição corporal dos indivíduos não apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significativas / INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a severe injury and may impact a professional football player\'s career. Surgical treatment is often indicated due to knee instability. Although ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is considered a successful procedure in restoring knee stability in athletes, it has been shown that only 55% return to competitive sports after surgery. Professional football players need technical, tactical and physical skills to succeed, including adequate knee function and aerobic capacity. Our purpose is to evaluate aerobic capacity in professional football players with ACL injury and six months after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty professional football players underwent ACL reconstruction with autologous hamstring grafts and were compared to 20 active, uninjured professional football players. We assessed maximal aerobic capacity with maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and submaximal with ventilatory thresholds, measured by ergoespirometric test performed in a treadmill with a modified Heck protocol. The tests were performed pre-operatively and six months after ACLR, and compared to the control group. We also performed knee function questionnaires (Lysholm and IKDC), isokinetic strength test and body composition evaluation with electric bioimpedance. RESULTS: ACL group average age was 21.7 y.o., and control group 22.1 y.o.(p=.99). Time span between injury and surgery was 5 months, in average. Pre-operative VO2max was 45.2 +- 4.3 mL/kg/min, post-operative was 48.9 +- 3.8 (p > .001) and control group was 56.9 +- 4.2 (p < 001 in both comparisons). Pre-op body fat percentage was 14.7+-3.7, post-op was 14.9 +- 5.4 and control 12.8 +- 4 (n.s.). Lysholm questionnaire results were 77.25, 94.12, and 97.5 (pre-op, post-op and control, respectively, p <. 05 in all comparisons). IKDC results were 59.46, 87.75 and 97.28 (pre-op, post-op and control, respectively, p < .001 in all comparisons). Preop peak torque isokinetic knee extension deficit at 60°/s was 21.5%, postop 15.7% (p=.63) and control 3.1% (p <. 001). CONCLUSION: Professional football players had significantly lower VO2max six months after ACLR compared to controls, although their results were significantly higher than observed pre-operatively. There was a significant improvement in knee function scores after ACLR. Body composition evaluation was not significant different among the groups evaluated

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