The use of wearable technology as an assessment tool to identify between-limb differences during functional tasks following ACL reconstruction. A scoping review.

Objective: To report how wearable sensors have been used to identify between-limb deficits during functional tasks following ACL reconstruction and critically examine the methods used.

Methods: We performed a scoping review of studies including participants with ACL reconstruction as the primary surgical procedure, who were assessed using wearable sensors during functional movement tasks (e.g., balance, walking or running, jumping and landing) at all postsurgical time frames.

Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority examined jumping-landing tasks and reported kinematic and kinetic differences between limbs (involved vs. unninvolved) and groups (injured vs. controls). Excellent reliability and moderate-strong agreement with laboratory protocols was indicated, with IMU sensors providing an accurate estimation of kinetics, but the number of studies and range of tasks used were limited. Methodological differences were present including, sensor placement, sampling rate, time post-surgery and type of assessment which appear to affect the outcome.

Conclusions: Wearable sensors consistently identified between-limb and group deficits following ACL reconstruction. Preliminary evidence suggests these technologies could be used to monitor knee function during rehabilitation, but further research is needed including, validation against criterion measures. Practitioners should also consider how the methods used can affect the accuracy of the outcome.