Rehabilitation adherence and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction outcome

This study examined the relationship between adherence to postoperative physical therapy and outcome after surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee in a sample of 72 men and 36 women. Indices of adherence were obtained during the first 6 weeks of postsurgical rehabilitation. Outcome measures were administered before surgery and approximately 6 months after surgery. Results of a canonical correlation analysis indicated a statistically significant association between the adherence variables and the outcome variables (r = 0.56, p < 0.05). Greater attendance at rehabilitation sessions and more favourable practitioner ratings of adherence during rehabilitation sessions were associated with fewer self-reported knee symptoms and greater knee laxity. The findings highlight the complex nature of the adherence – outcome relationship.