Work

Beyond the Injury: A Case Report on Psychological Intervention During ACL Rehabilitation in a Professional Futsal Player

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most psychologically demanding injuries in professional sport. This study aimed to describe a structured psychological intervention conducted during the rehabilitation process following an ACL rupture in a professional female futsal player. METHODS: A single-case longitudinal design was implemented with three phases (pre-test, intervention, post-test) across a 12-month rehabilitation period. Psychological assessment was conducted at four key points: initial evaluation, rehabilitation follow-up, medical discharge, and three- and six-month follow-ups. The battery included perfectionism (FMPS), anxiety (STAI), depression (BDI-II), mental health indicators (DASS-21, GHQ-12), sleep quality (PSQI), pain perception and catastrophizing (VAS, PCS), mood states (POMS), psychological readiness for return to play (PRIA-RS), and perceived intervention effectiveness. The program consisted of 15 individual sessions plus a follow-up, combining cognitive-behavioral therapy principles, mindfulness-based techniques (relaxation, body scan, visualization), cognitive restructuring, sleep hygiene, goal setting, problem-solving, and emotional expression strategies. RESULTS: Progressive and sustained improvements were observed in mood states and pain catastrophizing, along with enhanced sleep quality, psychological readiness, and reintegration into competition. Improved overall mental health indicators were also observed, supporting adherence to rehabilitation and return-to-play confidence. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the relevance of structured psychological intervention as an integral component of injury rehabilitation in professional athletes with ACL rupture, supporting its inclusion in multidisciplinary care and future research to optimize recovery and prevent maladaptive outcomes.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph23010026

Authors: Luis Miguel Ramos-Pastrana, Laura Gil-Caselles, Roberto Ruiz-Barquín, José María Giménez-Egido, Aurelio Olmedilla-Zafra

Institutions: Universidad de Murcia, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Language: English

Topic: Sport Psychology and Performance

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,016