Which of the following is a required criterion in RTS protocols before returning to sport?

• A. Pain-free full range of motion.
• B. Ability to sprint at maximum speed.
• C. No consideration of psychological readiness.
• D. Completion of a year of rehabilitation.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that having a pain-free full range of motion is the essential physical gate before returning to sport. If movement through the joint can be performed without pain, it suggests the tissue has regained mobility and the mechanics won’t be compromised when sport loads are applied, reducing the risk of re-injury. Pain during movement could indicate ongoing tissue damage, inflammation, or improper movement patterns that might worsen with sport-specific activities. Sprinting at maximum speed isn’t a universal prerequisite for RTS; it’s a high-demand capability tested later as part of progressive conditioning. Psychological readiness is important, but not every RTS protocol treats it as an automatic criterion on its own. Time alone, such as completing a year of rehabilitation, doesn’t guarantee readiness—decision-making in RTS depends on functional recovery, not just elapsed time.