Vazhapulli Gopakumar*
GK Hi-Tech Physiotherapy and Rehab Center, Bengaluru, India
*Corresponding Author: Vazhapulli Gopakumar, GK Hi-Tech Physiotherapy and Rehab Center, Bengaluru, India.
Received: November 03, 2025; Published: January 16, 2026
Background: Return to sport (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction depends on restoring neuromuscular control, strength symmetry, and psychological readiness [1,2]. However, early-phase neuromuscular recovery markers and their predictive value for RTS timing remain underexplored [3].
Objective: To determine whether early neuromuscular control parameters within the first 12 weeks post-ACL reconstruction influence the timing and success of return to sport.
Methods: A prospective cohort of post-ACL reconstruction athletes (n = 40) were assessed for quadriceps activation (via EMG), single-leg balance, and Y-Balance Test performance at 4, 8, and 12 weeks [4]. Return-to-sport clearance and timing were recorded at 6 and 9 months.
Results: Early quadriceps activation symmetry and YBT composite score improvements between 4-12 weeks showed strong correlation with faster RTS clearance (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) [4]. Athletes achieving ≥90% limb symmetry index (LSI) in neuromuscular tests by 12 weeks returned to sport an average of 2.3 months earlier.
Conclusion: Early neuromuscular recovery parameters can serve as valuable indicators for individualized RTS prediction post-ACL reconstruction. Emphasis on early quadriceps reactivation and balance training may shorten RTS timelines safely [1-4].
Keywords: ACL Reconstruction; Neuromuscular Control; Return to Sport; Limb Symmetry Index; Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation
Citation: Vazhapulli Gopakumar. “Early Neuromuscular Control and Its Influence on Return-to-Sport Timing After ACL Reconstruction: A Prospective Cohort Study".Acta Scientific Orthopaedics 9.2 (2026): 08-09.
Copyright: © 2026 Vazhapulli Gopakumar. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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