Affiliation: University of Connecticut

Julie Burland’s research focuses on the evaluation and recovery of neuromuscular function and the psychosocial factors influencing postoperative outcomes and return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Her work has identified learned helplessness, a psychobehavioral phenomenon, and its direct association with neurological alterations after ACLR. She also examines how learned helplessness influences other clinically relevant outcomes, including lower extremity biomechanics, quadriceps muscle health, and patient-perceived function. Advancing this knowledge base aims to inform future rehabilitation strategies and guide evidence-based progressions for returning to physical activity after ACL reconstruction. Her long-term career objective is to advance clinical rehabilitation science and effectively translate research findings into clinical practice to promote lower extremity joint health, optimal movement control, psychosocial well-being, and long-term quality of life across physically active populations.