Previous literature has indicated that individuals with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are less likely to be active, may experience negative changes in weight status, and may have reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) following surgery as compared to uninjured individuals. Despite the key role of physical activity (PA), obesity, and CRF in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases; it is unclear how these factors change in a population of young individuals who have experienced a period of reduced activity during rehabilitation for a traumatic knee injury. The overarching aim of this dissertation was to characterize cardiovascular health risk factors such as PA, BMI, body composition, CRF, and arterial stiffness as measured by carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and understand how these variables change throughout recovery from ACLR.This dissertation is comprised of three studies. First, PA was measured at 6- and 9-months post-surgery in adolescent individuals with a history of ACLR. No differences were observed in moderate-to-vigorous PA volume, but individuals with ACLR had lower daily step counts than their uninjured peers. There was also no change in PA from 6 to 9 months for adolescents with ACLR. Uninjured individuals were no more likely to meet PA recommendations for MVPA and step counts than individuals with ACLR at 6 months and 9 months. Second, a retrospective chart review was conducted to examine change in BMI of adolescents and adults from pre-surgery to 6 months post-ACLR. Adolescent and adult participants experienced a significant increase in body mass and BMI from pre- to 6 months post-ACLR. Lastly, an exploratory study was conducted to evaluate cardiovascular health characteristics of individuals with a history of ACLR as compared to their uninjured peers. Body composition, CRF, arterial stiffness, and PA engagement was compared between young individuals with ACLR and uninjured controls. We observed that individuals with ACLR displayed similar characteristics of cardiovascular health as their uninjured peers, but those with ACLR may experience elevated BMI and fat mass and end a maximal graded exercise test sooner. Taken together, these studies highlight health-related risk factors that should be addressed in adolescents and adults with a history of ACLR. The potential for reduced PA and undesirable changes to BMI and weight status are concerning in these otherwise healthy young individuals. The time following ACLR presents an opportunity for researchers and clinicians to promote healthy behaviors and these results also demonstrate the continued need for consideration of PA and diet during clinical care in order to minimize potential negative long-term effects of weight gain following surgery and ensure that ACLR does not become a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
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