Diagnostic Testing of the Knee: Objectively Evaluating Whether Your Athlete Is Ready to Return to Play

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Abstract:
The goal of this presentation is to reach clinicians and update the field with the latest understanding of return-to-play decision-making following knee injury. Clearance is too often based on time from surgery or limb symmetry alone, without fully characterizing muscle capacity, contraction-specific deficits, or psychological readiness. Without objective diagnostic testing, clinicians risk progressing athletes without clearly identifying what deficits remain. This presentation will emphasize measurable performance testing and psychological assessment as essential tools to guide rehabilitation progression, target identified weak links, and support more informed return-to-play decisions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the limitations of time-based return-to-play criteria following knee injury.
  • Explain how isometric and dynamic strength testing, using available clinical tools, can uncover persistent deficits and should directly guide rehabilitation progression and return-to-play decision-making. 
  • Demonstrate how objective performance deficits should directly inform exercise prescription to address identified “weak links.” 
  • Discuss how to objectively assess psychological readiness and use those data to guide care, referrals, and return-to-play decisions.

Level:
Essential

Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis 
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention 

Orthopedic Domain(s):
Domain 1: Medical Knowledge
Domain 2: Procedural Knowledge

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

Keywords:
Return to play, ACL, knee, strength testing

Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

Lindsey Lepley, PhD, ATC

Lindsey Lepley, PhD, ATC

Dr. Lindsey Lepley is an associate professor of Athletic Training, director of the Comparative Orthopedic Rehabilitation Laboratory, and co-director of the Orthopedic Rehabilitation & Biomechanics Laboratory at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. Dr. Lepley’s research program focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle strength, activation, and structure after traumatic joint injury to establish interventions that optimize muscle recovery. To advance clinical practice, her research group utilizes non-invasive animal injury models and human subject research to design, test, and translate new sports medicine strategies from conception to practice. This rare blend of scientific approaches empowers her lab to make fundamental discoveries about musculoskeletal health that can change rehabilitation. This work has received several research awards, is currently funded by NIH/NIAMS, and has been selected for featured presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
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