The Influence of Cognitive Dual Tasking on the Outcomes of the Triple Hop Test Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction involves prolonged rehabilitation, with Return to Sport (RTS) as a key objective for athletes. The integration of Dual Task (DT) strategies, which combine cognitive and physical tasks, is fundamental, as multitasking reflects the real and specific demands of sports. Evaluating how distractions influence performance is essential for optimizing RTS outcomes on both the reconstructed and healthy limbs.

Results

Seventeen post-ACL reconstruction patients were enrolled and performed the THD test under two conditions: single task (standard condition) and dual task (with the addition of a neurocognitive task). Assessments were conducted on both the healthy limb and the previously injured limb over a distance of six meters.

The most significant result of this study is that patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction showed discrepancies between the healthy limb and the operated limb in the THD. Performance measurements were significantly better in the healthy limb compared to the post-operative one.

From a clinical perspective, these data emphasize the need to develop specific rehabilitative approaches capable of accurately measuring the effects of neurocognitive interventions, based on the pathophysiology of ACL reconstruction, which involves neuroplastic changes at the brain level.