[Physio Explained] Psychological readiness: a risk factor for secondary ACL injuries? with Dr. Ryan Zarzycki

In this episode we explore a recent paper which showed that female athletes' with greater psychological readiness had a higher risk of second ACL injury after primary ACL reconstruction, in which Ryan was the lead author. We discuss: 

• How and when to use questionnaires in ACL rehab
• The interesting finding from this paper of higher ACL re-injury rates in those who scored higher in the ACL-RSI questionnaires
• Return to sport readiness and which athletes we might want to hold back for longer to prevent second ACL injury
• The importance of communication and discussions in ACL rehab

Dr. Zarzycki received his PT degree from the University of Delaware in 2003 and his PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science from the University of Delaware in 2018.  Between degrees, Dr. Zarzycki practiced for 10 years in sports and orthopedic physical therapy. His research interests lie in athletes after traumatic knee injury with an emphasis on ACL injuries.  

Reference to the paper that Ryan discusses here - 

Zarzycki R, Cummer K, Arhos E, Failla M, Capin JJ, Smith AH, Snyder-Mackler L (2024) Female Athletes With Better Psychological Readiness Are at Higher Risk for Second ACL Injury After Primary ACL Reconstruction. Sports Health, 16(1): 149-154.

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