Abstract
Aim: Research has recommended follicular phase-based resistance training for women to enhance resistance training responses. Follicular phase-based resistance training has not been adapted for women following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study aimed to develop a novel menstrual cycle phase-based ACLR rehabilitation programme appropriate for testing on women following ACLR.
Study Design: Two phases: i) Focus groups with orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, patients and athletes, ii) the development of a menstrual cycle phase-based ACLR rehabilitation programme.
Setting: New Zealand sports and sports medicine environment.
Participants: Athletes, patients post ACLR, physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons.
Interventions: Focus groups discussed what works well in current ACLR rehabilitation and provided advice regarding designing a proposed menstrual cycle phase-based resistance training programme.
Outcome Measures: Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. A menstrual cycle phase-based ACLR rehabilitation programme was developed.
Results: Three themes were constructed from the data: (1) Preference for a consistent gym-based programme - referring to women’s reported desire for frequent rehabilitation sessions in a gym; (2) Women need support to attend and engage -highlighting the different support structures women need to take part in a rehabilitation programme; (3) Strength is important but challenging to measure - outlining the difficulties health professionals have measuring strength in this population.
Conclusions: Input from key stakeholders enabled the development of a new menstrual cycle phase-based rehabilitation programme that will undergo further testing. Including women with previous ACLR injuries, current athletes, and health professionals should enhance the delivery and engagement with the programme. Whether this programme impacts strength gain following surgery has yet to be assessed.