Brief summary, from the abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 studies (13,150 people) found that better hop-test limb symmetry after an ACL injury predicts more favourable knee-related outcomes, including return to sport, self-reported function, and lower osteoarthritis risk, though the overall certainty of evidence is very low.
- Greater single-forward and repeated-forward hop symmetry was linked to higher odds of returning to sport 1 to 3 years after ACL reconstruction (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.30 to 3.54; and OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.23 to 3.60).
- Better hop symmetry was associated with improved self-reported symptoms and function 1 to 37 years after injury (single-forward OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.62 to 3.88; repeated-forward OR 4.28; 95% CI 1.65 to 11.08).
- Reaching at least 90% symmetry on the single-forward hop was tied to lower odds of knee osteoarthritis 5 to 37 years later (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.94).
- The authors graded the evidence as very low certainty, so these tests should guide rather than dictate rehabilitation decisions.
Clinically assessing this area? See the knee special tests.