Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Background: No systematic review has yet been conducted simultaneously on the effectiveness of psychological interventions across multiple outcome measures during rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study aims to assess the effects of such interventions on pain, psychological outcomes, patient-reported knee function, objective knee measures, and quality of life following ACLR. Methods: We searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 20 April 2026 (PROSPERO CRD42023483889). Eligible randomized controlled trials compared psychological interventions with usual care in ACLR patients. Two reviewers assessed eligibility, risk of bias, and extracted data. Random-effects models were used; effect sizes were interpreted using Cohen’s guidelines. Results: Of 401 records screened, 11 RCTs (440 participants) were included. Psychological interventions significantly improved pain (six trials, SMD = −0.96, 95% CI −1.40 to −0.52, p 0.05, with substantial heterogeneity for ACL-RSI). Particularly, imagery therapy reduced pain (three trials, SMD = −1.54, I2 = 15%). Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides preliminary evidence that psychological interventions, especially imagery therapy, may improve pain, psychological outcomes, patient-reported knee function, and quality of life after ACLR. Adequately powered trials with standardized protocols are needed to confirm these findings.
Zhang et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: