Table 2. Summary of research method by paper.

Author	Allocation	Follow-up	Outcome measures
Adachi et al. (2003)4	Non-random; if ST <7mm, G harvested to increase graft thickness	Mean: 35 months (24–58 months)	Knee laxity (KT-2000 knee arthrometer) Active and passive knee flexion angle Isokinetic strength testing (Cybex dynamometer)
Gobbi et al. (2005)17	Random number generator	Examined by surgeon and physiotherapist at 3, 5 and 12 months post-operatively. Examined by independent, blinded examiner at mean 36 months post-operatively	Pre-operative questionnaire, IKDC form, Noyes, Tegner, Lysholm scores; satisfactionand return to sport with Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) Clinical knee examination: crepitus, pain, sensation, ROM, kneeling Knee laxity (OSI CA4000) Isokinetic strength testing (Biodex dynamometer) Single leg hop, single leg vertical jump
Carter & Edinger (1999)16	Every third patient consecutively had either PT, ST or ST and G harvest	24 weeks (24–28 weeks)	Isokinetic strength testing (Cybex dynamometer)
Lipscomb et al. (1982)13	Patients recalled at random from a sample of 482 who had an ACL reconstruction between 1975 and 1980	4ST = 34.6 months (18–52 months 2ST-2G = 17.4 months (12–26 months	Isokinetic strength testing (Cybex dynamometer)
Nakamura et al. (2002)9	Non-random, if ST <7mm, G harvested to increase graft thickness	24 months	IKDC form Knee laxity (KT-1000 knee arthrometer) Isokinetic strength testing (Cybex dynamometer) Maximum standing knee flexion angle
Segawa et al. (2002)7	Non-random; if ST <7mm, G harvested to increase graft thickness	24 months	IKDC form, Lysholm scores Knee laxity (KT-1000 knee arthrometer) Isokinetic strength testing (Cybex dynamometer)
Tashiro et al. (2003)12	Random; according to date of surgery	0, 6, 12, 18 months	IKDC form Knee laxity (KT-1000 knee arthrometer) Isokinetic and isometric strength testing (Cybex dynamometer)

ST = semitendinosus tendon; G = gracilis tendon; PT = patellar tendon.