SCS Rehabilitation & Return to Activity 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which limb symmetry index (LSI) threshold on the single-leg hop test is most commonly cited as a minimum criterion before return to sport after ACL reconstruction?
- 70%
- 80%
- 90% (Correct answer)
- 95%
Correct answer: 90%
A limb symmetry index of ≥90% on hop testing is the most widely accepted minimum threshold before return to sport after ACL reconstruction.
Question 2: A baseball pitcher 6 weeks post-elbow UCL repair reports no pain at rest but pain with late-cocking phase throwing. Which rehabilitation principle is most violated if he is progressed to competitive throwing at this time?
- Overload principle
- Criteria-based progression (Correct answer)
- SAID principle
- Periodization
Correct answer: Criteria-based progression
Criteria-based progression requires pain-free status and objective functional benchmarks to be met before advancing to higher-demand activities.
Question 3: During the late-stage rehabilitation of a soccer player with a hamstring strain, which test best assesses eccentric strength deficits that predict re-injury risk?
- Seated knee flexion isokinetic test at 60°/s
- Nordic hamstring strength test (Correct answer)
- Active knee extension ROM test
- Functional movement screen
Correct answer: Nordic hamstring strength test
The Nordic hamstring strength test specifically evaluates eccentric hamstring strength, which is the most predictive factor of re-injury risk.
Question 4: A gymnast recovering from a Grade II lateral ankle sprain has regained full ROM and strength. Which rehabilitation component is most critical before return to full gymnastics training?
- Static balance on firm surface
- Proprioception and dynamic neuromuscular control (Correct answer)
- Isokinetic strength symmetry
- Cardiovascular fitness
Correct answer: Proprioception and dynamic neuromuscular control
Proprioception and dynamic neuromuscular control are essential for ankle sprain rehabilitation because deficits in these areas drive recurrence rates.
Question 5: Which return-to-sport testing battery incorporates hop tests, quadriceps strength, and psychological readiness to form a composite RTS score?
- Functional Movement Screen
- ACL-RSI combined with isokinetic testing
- Return to Sport after ACL reconstruction (ACL-RSI + LSI battery) (Correct answer)
- Lower Extremity Functional Scale
Correct answer: Return to Sport after ACL reconstruction (ACL-RSI + LSI battery)
The ACL-RSI combined with limb symmetry index (LSI) hop and strength testing forms a multi-dimensional RTS battery addressing both physical and psychological readiness.
Question 6: A collegiate volleyball player 4 months post-rotator cuff repair demonstrates full PROM but only 60% strength symmetry. She is eager to return. What is the MOST appropriate recommendation?
- Clear her to return with a protective brace
- Continue strengthening and reassess at 6 months per criteria-based milestones (Correct answer)
- Progress to sport-specific overhead activities immediately
- Refer for surgical re-evaluation
Correct answer: Continue strengthening and reassess at 6 months per criteria-based milestones
Returning with only 60% strength symmetry significantly elevates re-tear risk; continued strengthening with criteria-based reassessment at 6 months is most appropriate.
Question 7: Which concept describes the progressive accumulation of training load over a rehabilitation program to prepare tissue for sport demands?
- RICE protocol
- Relative energy deficiency
- Tissue load management and progressive overload (Correct answer)
- Immobilization and protection
Correct answer: Tissue load management and progressive overload
Tissue load management with progressive overload systematically increases mechanical stress to restore tissue capacity and prepare athletes for sport demands.
SCS Rehabilitation & Return to Activity 2
Which limb symmetry index (LSI) threshold on the single-leg hop test is most commonly cited as a minimum criterion before return to sport after ACL reconstruction?