Integrated physical, cognitive and psychological rehabilitation following multiple ACL reconstructions in a professional handball player: a case report.
Marc Niering, Jana Goldstein, Rainer Beurskens et al.
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Case in brief
A 31-year-old professional handball player with two ACL reconstructions, meniscal repairs, a postoperative knee infection, and multiple arthroscopic procedures had persistent knee instability, pain, and psychological distress after repeated unsuccessful return-to-play attempts. He completed a ten-week rehabilitation program combining therapeutic exercise, sports psychology, and neurocognitive dual-task training. Post-intervention assessments showed improved gait mechanics, postural stability, and neuromuscular strength, with reduced functional asymmetries, lower cognitive anxiety, and greater motivation.
What made this case unusual
The rehabilitation addressed physical deficits alongside cognitive and psychological readiness in an athlete with multiple ACL surgeries and a complicated postoperative course.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
In complex ACL rehabilitation, assessment and rehabilitation may need to address psychological and cognitive readiness as well as physical function.