Research summary · Recovery and rehabilitation
Longer supervised ACL rehabilitation is associated with better outcomes, with limited certainty
This review examined whether the duration of supervised rehabilitation after primary ACL reconstruction relates to strength, functional tests and patient-reported function. Nine studies qualified: one randomized trial, one retrospective cohort and seven cross-sectional studies.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Systematic review
- Journal
- International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
- Population / context
- ACL reconstruction · Strength testing · Return-to-sport rehabilitation
What the publication reports
The overall pattern offered limited-quality support for supervision lasting at least six months. Several studies favoured longer rehabilitation for strength, performance or self-reported outcomes, but other comparisons were nonsignificant or differed by outcome and sex.
Limits and interpretation
Most evidence was observational, so access to care, baseline function and other differences may explain some associations. The review cannot define one mandatory duration or prove that longer supervision prevents reinjury. Women, adolescents and different graft types need stronger representation in prospective research.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
The Effect of Duration of Supervised Rehabilitation on Outcomes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42245761DOI: 10.26603/001c.162269Full text at the sourceReader discussion
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