Psychological Readiness in Elite Versus Nonelite Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

This study aimed to compare psychological readiness for return to play (RTP) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) between elite and nonelite athletes. While preoperative psychological readiness scores were similar, elite athletes demonstrated significantly higher scores during rehabilitation and achieved greater RTP rates at one and two years post-surgery. The findings suggest that factors such as knee function and male sex are more influential on psychological readiness than elite status alone, indicating the need for psychological interventions for all athletes post-ACLR.