Psychosocial experiences of competitive rugby players on the “long, long journey” to recovery following ACL ruptures and reconstruction

Abstract

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are serious and potentially career‐ending. Reconstruction surgery and extended rehabilitation typically follow, but some athletes never attain the same level of sport performance. The psychosocial experiences of athletes who sustain ACL injuries and their cognitive appraisal, emotional and behavioral responses to the injury, and reconstruction require further attention during the different recovery phases. The aim is to explore these psychosocial experiences, social support needs and sources thereof of competitive athletes who sustained unilateral ACL ruptures and underwent reconstruction surgery. Semi‐structured interviews with six competitive rugby players (M age: 22.3 ± 2.92 years), elicited information at seven time‐points. We analyzed the qualitative information through thematic analysis. Five common themes emerged: (1) cognitive appraisal, (2) emotional responses (negative and positive affective responses), (3) behavioral responses, (4) social support needs and sources thereof, and (5) adversity‐induced identity expansion (athletic and person‐centered identities). In‐vivo quotes gave a rich description of the athletes' experiences throughout the “long, long journey” to return‐to‐sport. These findings may sensitize and assist sports healthcare professionals, coaches, teammates, family, and friends to explore various psychosocial experiences throughout the injury and recovery period. Phase‐appropriate psychosocial support or referral to sport psychology services is recommended to enhance the recovery process, improve long‐term physical and mental health, and subsequent performance.

Effectiveness of a rehabilitation protocol after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in returning to match rhythm: a case study of a professional soccer player

“…Studies have shown that ACL injuries are prevalent among young athletes engaged in sports involving frequent cutting, pivoting, jumping, or landing (Ithurburn et al, 2021). The psychological impact of ACL injuries on athletes is also noteworthy, with reports indicating that athletes prioritize physical and mental health, performance excellence, and career longevity during the recovery process (Borman, 2024). Additionally, the presence of symptoms of depression and anxiety following an ACL injury has been associated with poorer self-reported knee function, underscoring the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of recovery .…”