THE INVISIBLE BRAKE: KINESIOPHOBIA AND ITS CORRELATION WITH RETURN TO SPORT AFTER SURGERY (ACL RECONSTRUCTION)
Keywords:
Kinesiophobia; Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament; athletes; rehabilitation; sports return; PRISMA 2020Abstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i18edespsep.0453
Abstract
This systematic review aims to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with kinesiophobia in athletes undergoing reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), as well as to evaluate its impact on the rehabilitation process and return to sports activity. A comprehensive search of scientific databases was conducted, following the guidelines of the PRISMA 2020 statement, to identify relevant studies including clinical trials, observational studies, and other research on kinesiophobia following ACL reconstruction. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies in terms of characteristics of the participants, evaluation instruments and sports return variables, the results are synthesized narratively in accordance with the SWiM recommendations, without performing a meta-analysis. The findings will allow us to better understand the influence of kinesiophobia on the functional and sports recovery of patients, providing useful information to optimize rehabilitation strategies and promote a safe return to sports activity.
Keywords: Kinesiophobia; Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament; athletes; rehabilitation; sports return; PRISMA 2020.
Downloads
References
Ardern, C. L., Ekås, G. R., Grindem, H., Moksnes, H., Snyder-Mackler, N., Engebretsen, L., Crawford, K., Fu, F. H., Karlsson, J., & Wang, D. (2021). 2020 consensus statement on return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament injury: International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus statement. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(11), 603–611. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102943
Bodkin, S. G., Saliba, S. A., Hertel, J., & Pietrosimone, B. (2022). Psychological readiness and kinesiophobia in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 31(4), 450–458. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2021-0215
Burland, J. P., Toonstra, J., Howard, J. S., Bodkin, S. G., & Pietrosimone, B. (2021). The influence of psychological factors on return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 14(3), 209–221. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-021-09702-8
Diermeier, T., Rothrauff, B. B., Engebretsen, L., Lynch, A. D., Aoki, S. K., Bedi, A., Karlsson, J., Sennett, M., Irrgang, J. J., & Fu, F. H. (2021). Treatment after anterior cruciate ligament injury: Expert consensus statement. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 9(6), 23259671211011881. https://doi.org/10.1177/23259671211011881
Gokeler, A., Nienhuis, R., & Hewett, T. E. (2022). All roads lead to Rome—A review of the role of psychological factors in return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Sports, 10(10), 146. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10100146
Harkey, M. S., Luc-Harkey, B. A., & Pietrosimone, B. (2021). Psychological readiness and return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Journal of Athletic Training, 56(2), 150–158. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0588.20
Lisee, C., Pollard, C. D., & Withrow, T. J. (2022). The role of kinesiophobia in physical performance and return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Physical Therapy in Sport, 53, 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.11.006
Longo, U. G., De Salvatore, S., D’Orrico, F., Bella, M., Corradini, A., Rizzello, G., De Marinis, M. G., & Denaro, V. (2023). The impact of psychological factors on return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review. Osteology, 3(3), 78–93. https://doi.org/10.3390/osteology3030009
Webster, K. E. (2022). Psychological factors in return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. Physical Therapy in Sport, 54, 110–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.02.004
Webster, K. E., & Hewett, T. E. (2021). Meta-analysis of meta-analyses of return to sport rate after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(10), 2831–2838. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465211013753
Zwolski, C., Quatman-Yates, C. C., Paterno, M. V., & Myer, G. D. (2021). Psychological factors associated with return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review. Sports Health, 13(2), 143–152. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738120959313
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2026 GESTAR Arbitrated Scientific Journal in Health Research. ISSN: 2737-6273.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
















