Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research

Examining the Return to Sport Time and Influential Factors After ACL Surgery in Professional Football Players

Javad Habibi; Ali Shamsi Majelan; Parisa Sedaghti

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 01 July 2025

Abstract

Purpose: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common injuries among football players and requires a prolonged recovery period after surgery. Return to play is ... Read More Purpose: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common injuries among football players and requires a prolonged recovery period after surgery. Return to play is one of the major concerns for professional football players and healthcare professionals after an ACL injury. According to the findings, the average time for return to play in football players after ACL injury is 7 to 10 months, the precise timing of return varies for each individual based on pre-injury physical condition, age, gender, genetics and psychological factors (fear of re-injury , motivation). Increased risk of re-injury to the affected or contralateral limb due to premature return, or increased risk of early-onset osteoarthritis with delayed return, emphasize the importance of evaluating and determining the appropriate time for return to play. To review the literature on ACL injury and return to play time, as well as the factors influencing it, in professional football players. Methods: In the present review research Using 4 databases (PEDro/Web of Science/PubMed/Google Scholar) on November 25, 2023, with keywords such as RTP (Return to Play)/Return to Game/Return to Sport/ACL Reconstruction/ACL surgery/After ACL surgery/Elite soccer Player/Professional soccer player), 8 relevant studies were identified after excluding duplicates, irrelevant studies, different populations, and those without a precise return to play time. Results: According to the studies, the average time for return to play in football players after ACL injury is 7 to 10 months. One of the critical factors influencing the return to play time is the risk of re-injury to the affected or contralateral limb. Conclusion: Several factors have been identified for determining the precise timing for an athlete's return to play or initiation of rehabilitation stages, with individual differences (genetics), pre-surgery fitness level, psychological factors, H/Q ratio (quadriceps to hamstring), and injury severity being the most important evaluation criteria.

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A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Physical Performance of Soccer Players With and Without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction While Undergoing Knee Injury Prevention Training

Amir Shamlou kazemi; hassan daneshmandi; Parisa Sedaghti; Yasin Hoseini

Volume 12, Issue 2 , June 2025, , Pages 95-101

Abstract

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most severe and complex knee injuries commonly occurring in soccer. The Sportsmetrics Soccer Training (SMST) protocol ... Read More Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most severe and complex knee injuries commonly occurring in soccer. The Sportsmetrics Soccer Training (SMST) protocol is a well-established program for preventing knee injuries and enhancing soccer players' performance. This study aimed to compare the effect of the SMST injury prevention protocol on the performance of soccer players with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: This research employed a semi-experimental design, including 42 soccer players aged 18–30, each with at least three years of regular soccer experience. Participants were divided into two groups of 21 subjects: players with ACLR and those without ACLR. Physical performance was evaluated using the Illinois Agility Test, 40-Yard Sprint Test, and Sargent Vertical Jump Test in both groups before and after six weeks of intervention. The SMST protocol was conducted in three 90-minute weekly sessions for six weeks. Statistical analyses were performed to assess intra-group differences using the dependent t-test and inter-group differences using the covariance analysis test (P ≤ 0.05). Results: The dependent t-test results demonstrated significant improvements in speed (P = 0.01), agility (P = 0.01), and explosive power (P = 0.01) in both groups following six weeks of SMST training. However, the results of the covariance analysis revealed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of speed (P = 0.57), agility (P = 0.07), and explosive power (P = 0.71) after six weeks of training. Conclusion: The improvements in performance indicators among the participants were primarily attributed to the alignment between the components of the SMST protocol and the performance evaluation tests. SMST training is highly recommended for healthy and ACLR soccer players, as it effectively enhances physical and athletic performance while reducing the risk of ACL injury and re-injury.

Effects of Exercise Training Programs on Postural Control and Dynamic Balance in Individuals with Flat Feet and Cavus Feet: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Parisa Sedaghti; Mohammad Adib Chamachaei; Hamed Zarei

Volume 10, Issue 1 , March 2023, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

Background: Considering the high prevalence of flat feet and cavus feet abnormalities among people and the adverse effects resulting from these complications on both balance and function, ... Read More Background: Considering the high prevalence of flat feet and cavus feet abnormalities among people and the adverse effects resulting from these complications on both balance and function, a systematic review on the effectsof various exercise programs on postural control and dynamic balance of these individuals seems to be essential. Thus, the current systematic review and metaanalysis examined the effects of exercise training programs on postural control and dynamic balance among individuals with flat feet and cavus feet.Methods: Relevant articles were identified through searches across the eight databases of PubMed, SCOPUS, LILACS, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science,PEDro, and Google Scholar. The search period ranged from the beginning ofavailable date to November 2021. Manual searches and a complete investigation of the references of papers were also performed.Results: The current systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 studies.Meta-analysis results indicated that the exercise programs had a significant effect on posture control (P=0.001) and dynamic balance (P=0.001) among individuals with flat feet and cavus feet. The effect size of Hedges’s g of the exercise programs on postural control was 1.81 with a confidence interval of 95% (1.40-2.22). The effect size of Hedges’s g of the exercise programs on dynamic balance was 1.32 with a 95% confidence interval (0.98-1.67).Conclusion: The present systematic review found that exercise programs had a significant effect on the postural control and dynamic balance of individuals with flat feet and cavus feet abnormalities. Study results have revealed that to better correct abnormalities and thus further improve postural control and dynamic balance, the period of exercise program should be increased. Moreover, exercise programs should also focus on greater involvement ofneuromuscular systems and direct effects on the central nervous system so that a greater effect on improving postural control and dynamic balance can be observed.

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Author = Sedaghti, Parisa

Examining the Return to Sport Time and Influential Factors After ACL Surgery in Professional Football Players

Abstract

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Physical Performance of Soccer Players With and Without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction While Undergoing Knee Injury Prevention Training

Abstract

Effects of Exercise Training Programs on Postural Control and Dynamic Balance in Individuals with Flat Feet and Cavus Feet: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract