ACL REHABILITATION: HOW TO SUPPORT HIGH MOTIVATION IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS AFTER INJURY AND SURGERY

Introduction Rehabilitation and full sport recovery after Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury and reconstructive surgery need perseverance and willpower. The difficulties normally experienced by patients after injury can be overcome with high motivation during the recovery period (1, 2). The aim of this study was to explore which motivational factors were linked to a good compliance of a rehabilitation path, in order to better understand how professionals could support patients in coping with difficulties. Methods Five male football players. (aged 13 to 38 years) ranging from recreational to competitive athletes, previously undergone ACL surgical reconstruction followed by knee rehabilitation were recruited for this qualitative study. We conducted semi-structured interviews, specifically focusing on: 1) relationship with football 2) the injury 3) the recovery process with particular attention to surgery and rehabilitation. The interviews were conducted by a psychologist in the Rehabilitation Centre Isokinetic of Milan, in the winter months of 2014-15. We were interested in understanding their decision to opt for surgery, what information they had, what were their expectations. Moreover, we wanted to know how the rehabilitation period was. We applied a semi projective tool (fill in a graphic line that represents their feeling in the main steps of the path, starting from before the injury and arriving to the present). Results The injury was a different experience for the patients, in some cases it was described as a trauma, in other cases they did not appreciate its severity. They were quite worried about undergoing rehabilitation post- the surgery but their will to return to play football was the main helping factor. Finally, the football players reported this experience (the injury and the care process) as a very formative moment of their life which also helped with their self-esteem. Conclusion The interviews clearly show the importance of understanding the patient, his experience, his targets and his needs in order to provide better support during the rehabilitation process and achieve full recovery. A motivational speech before starting the rehabilitation process could be useful to better know the patient and his needs. References 1. Langford JL, Webster KE, Feller JA. A prospective longitudinal study to assess psychological changes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. Br J Sports Med 2009; 43: 377-378 2. Podlog L, Eklund RC. The psychological aspects of a return to sport following serious injury: A review of the literature from a self-determination perspective. Psychology Sport Exerc 2007; 8: 535-566