Common Symptom, Psychological, and Psychosocial Barriers to Return to Sport

Abstract

There are many barriers that prevent or delay return to sports (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Some of the most common physical obstacles are residual knee pain, swelling, and/or instability. Research over the last two decades has demonstrated that psychological and psychosocial problems also play an important role in the inability of athletes to return to preinjury activity levels. Fear of reinjury or reinjury anxiety, poor perceived self-efficacy, low levels of internal locus of control, poor motivation, and emotional disturbances have all correlated with failure to RTS. Knowledge of these factors is crucial for those involved with the medical management of athletes in order to screen, detect, and initiate treatment and counseling.