Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries, yet many individuals experience persistent neuromuscular impairments long after surgical healing is complete. Deficits in muscle activation, strength, coordination, proprioception, and central neural control can persist for months or years following ACLR and are strongly linked to altered movement patterns, reduced physical performance, delayed return to sport or duty, and elevated risk of reinjury and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Importantly, these impairments are not solely peripheral; growing evidence highlights substantial contributions from central nervous system adaptations, including altered corticospinal excitability, sensorimotor integration, and fear-related neural processes. Despite their clinical relevance, neuromuscular deficits are inconsistently assessed and targeted across rehabilitation and research settings, limiting our ability to fully understand recovery trajectories and optimize intervention strategies.

This collection aims to provide a comprehensive, methods-focused resource that showcases experimental and clinical approaches used to assess and restore neuromuscular function following ACL reconstruction. By featuring standardized, reproducible protocols spanning biomechanics, neurophysiology, imaging, and rehabilitation interventions, this collection will help bridge assessment strategies across laboratories and clinical environments. The collection is designed to bridge the gap between mechanistic insight and clinical application by illustrating how neuromuscular measurements can inform rehabilitation progression, readiness for return to activity, and long-term joint health.