Impact of neuromuscular and visuo-motor training on landing biomechanics, functional performance, and psychological factors in female athletes with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a simple parallel-group randomized controlled trial

This small trial randomized 45 female athletes with prior unilateral ACL reconstruction into neuromuscular training (NMT), visuo-motor training (VMT), or a control group, then measured landing biomechanics (hip/knee/ankle angles, knee valgus, ground reaction force), functional hop/balance tests, and fear of reinjury (ACL-RSI). Both NMT and VMT groups showed significant improvements across nearly every measured variable (e.g., knee valgus p=0.03–0.04, ACL-RSI p=0.001) with large effect sizes, but the two active interventions did not differ significantly from each other on any outcome.

AI summary · from the full text · reviewed by Pukhraj Gaheer, Medical Student, Queen's University before publishing

Why it mattersLanding mechanics like knee valgus and reduced knee flexion are linked to reinjury risk after ACL reconstruction, so trials comparing rehab strategies targeting these mechanics are directly relevant to return-to-sport planning.

Presenting this at rounds? Start here

• ?If NMT and VMT produce statistically indistinguishable improvements in landing mechanics and psychological readiness, how should a clinician choose between them for a given athlete returning to sport after ACLR?
• ?Given that fear of reinjury (kinesiophobia) improved substantially with both interventions, should psychological readiness be assessed as routinely as biomechanical metrics before clearing athletes for return to sport?