Current clinical practice and return-to-sport criteria after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a survey of Brazilian physical therapists.

Background: Adherence to the use of recommended measures/criteria for return to sport clearance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is crucial for successful rehabilitation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the current clinical practice of Brazilian physical therapists that treat patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, including the measures/criteria used to support the decision-making process regarding return to sport. The secondary aim was to investigate factors associated with the use of the most recommended measures/criteria for return to sport.

Methods: An electronic survey questionnaire was sent to Brazilian physical therapists. The survey consisted of questions about demographics and professional and clinical practice data related to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction postoperative rehabilitation and return to sport criteria. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analyses.

Results: A sample of 439 professionals participated in the survey. Only 6.4% of the physical therapists use the most recommended measures/criteria for return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Professional certification in Sports Physical Therapy was the only factor associated with the use of these recommended measures/criteria (p=0.02). The measures most used for return to sport clearance were related to physical factors (65.3% to 75.1%), such as range of motion and muscle strength. A small number of professionals use questionnaires to assess functional (16.6%) and psychological (19.1%) aspects of their patients to support the decision-making process.

Conclusion: In their clinical practice, most Brazilian physical therapists do not use the recommended measures/criteria for return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.