JORR
Journal of Orthopedics Research and Rehabilitation

The Journal of Orthopedics Research and Rehabilitation welcomes scholarly papers in orthopaedic surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, physiotherapy, neurology and clinic anesthesiology and reanimation.

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Objectively measured physical activity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: evidence from adult populations and critical gaps in pediatric patients
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are increasingly common among children and adolescents, raising concerns regarding long-term joint health and physical activity behavior. Traditional outcome measures, particularly return-to-sport (RTS), do not adequately reflect habitual physical activity levels following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). This review aimed to evaluate existing evidence on objectively measured physical activity after ACLR, with a particular focus on pediatric populations. A narrative review of the literature was conducted using major electronic databases, including studies employing objective measurement tools such as accelerometers and pedometers. Current evidence demonstrates that adults following ACLR frequently exhibit reduced physical activity levels despite successful RTS. In contrast, there is a substantial lack of studies specifically investigating objectively measured long-term physical activity in pediatric populations. Available studies are limited by mixed age cohorts, short follow-up periods, and methodological heterogeneity. Overall, the findings highlight a significant gap in the literature and emphasize the need for longitudinal studies focusing exclusively on pediatric patients in order to better understand recovery trajectories and optimize long-term outcomes.

Keywords : Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, physical activity monitoring, accelerometry, pediatric orthopedics, motor activity, rehabilitation

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 72-77
https://doi.org/10.51271/JORR-0075
Article Information
Received : 28 Nis 2026
Accepted : 22 Tem 2026
Published : 31 Tem 2026
Corresponding Author :

Bozo Topalovic: Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad University, Novi Sad, Serbia

[email protected]
Citation : Topalovic B. Objectively measured physical activity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: evidence from adult populations and critical gaps in pediatric patients. J Orthop Res Rehabil. 2026;4(3):72-77. doi:10.51271/JORR-0075

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