Return to running (RTR) is considered to be an important point in rehabilitation post ACL reconstruction, as it marks the transition from 'impairment-focused' to 'functional' or 'activity-specific' rehabilitation.

Conventionally, clinical decision making for RTR has been time-based (i.e., 8-16 weeks post-operatively). In more recent times, there have been increased sightings of assessment-based progression of rehabilitation. 

The purpose of this review was to look for the criteria used to progress to RTR after ACL reconstruction and to identify any changes in trend of the criteria over time.