Sport-specific training and return to sport after ACL reconstruction in elite athletes: a narrative review.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions remain a prominent surgery performed in the United States. Despite continuous efforts from surgeons and rehabilitation specialists, the return to previous levels of sports participation remains low and the reinjury rates remain high. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the progression of post-operative rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction in elite and professional athletes.

Methods

A literature review was conducted in 2025, searching for the most up-to-date evidence on criterion-based rehabilitation programs and rehabilitation strategies in the English language.

Key content and findings

For the purpose of this narrative, the rehabilitation progression begins when the athl

SUBMITTER: Joreitz R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12598428 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature