STABILITY: Physical Activity Intervention at 7 Years Post-Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are very common knee injuries amongst youth involved in sports and are often treated through ACL reconstruction surgeries. Unfortunately, up to 50% of individuals who undergo ACL reconstruction develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in their injured knee by 20 years post-reconstruction causing pain, decreasing mobility, and impacting quality of life in young active individuals. Much remains unknown regarding the secondary prevention of PTOA, and more investigation is necessary to better understand its disease progression post-ACL reconstruction and types of conservative interventions that can prevent or delay its onset. Physical activity has improved patient-reported outcomes across many different chronic diseases including knee osteoarthritis (OA), and physical activity prescription has been shown to be an effective way to increase patients' levels of physical activity. It has not yet been heavily investigated in the context of post-ACL reconstruction, and individuals often exhibit decreased physical activity after ACL reconstruction which causes suboptimal cartilage health. Thus, physical activity prescription may improve habitual joint loading, leading to improved cartilage health and patient-reported health outcomes.