In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob sits down with Physiotherapist and Head of the Assessment Lab at Aspetar, Roula Kotsifaki to delve into the critical role of technology and specific testing protocols in determining an athlete's readiness to return to play after an ACL injury.

Roula emphasizes the importance of measuring asymmetries, movement quality, and strength to prevent future injuries. Key highlights include the construction of sensitive testing protocols to measure key competencies. Roula discusses the significance of hop tests and jump tests in identifying asymmetries and the role of landing variability in ACL rehabilitation. She highlights the use of 3D force plates and cameras to accurately assess power metrics and joint contributions during vertical and horizontal jumps, which are crucial for evaluating an athlete's readiness.

Roula also details which metrics we should trust and which we shouldn't, and that includes her questioning the use of rate of force development related metrics. Furthermore, Roula stresses that successful return to play after ACL surgery requires comprehensive rehabilitation and shouldn't be determined by a timeline. Just because you are at 9-months post surgery, it doesn't mean that you're ready. Being "ready" should be based on achieving specific competencies.

Listeners can gain insights into the best practices for ACL rehabilitation, the use of technology in assessing readiness, and the critical metrics for ensuring a safe and effective return to play.

Key points:

• Importance of technology in ACL rehabilitation.
• Measure asymmetries to prevent future injuries.
• Choosing sensitive testing protocols.
• Hop tests options.
• 3D force plates assess joint contributions.
• Problems with rate of force development metrics.
• Comprehensive rehab before returning to sport.
• Why the minimum 9 month timeframe for ACL recovery