The Lower Extremity Athlete: Postrehabilitation Performance and Injury Prevention Training

Athletic performance enhancement training techniques are essential for any athlete interested in competing at their highest potential, but there is scarce information available to the rehabilitation specialist in terms of training an athlete postrehabilitation following an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) or any lower extremity injury for that matter. The concept of physical qualities that form the foundation of athletic development will be discussed. This commentary is designed to give the clinician the tools to accurately assess the needs of the athlete postrehabilitation. This is helpful in the decision if the athlete is truly ready for performance training or if further rehabilitation is indicated. These tools are also helpful in identifying physical deficits in an otherwise healthy athlete who may be predisposed to a lower extremity injury, such as a noncontact ACL tear, and making recommendations for an injury prevention program. A progressive methodology for program design is outlined for the rehabilitation professional interested in the development of a safe and effective performance training program for the postrehabilitation athlete using evidence-based strength and conditioning principles.