Attentional Focus in Single-Leg Squat for Ankle Sprain

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

32 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-10-10

Study Completion Date

2025-05-12

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

This study investigates the acute effects of single-leg squat exercises conducted under different attentional focus strategies (internal, external, and no focus) on plantar pressure distribution and posterior chain muscle activation in individuals with a history of unilateral ankle sprain. The study aims to determine whether external focus improves neuromuscular efficiency and postural control compared to internal or no attentional focus.

Related Clinical Trials

Explore similar clinical trials based on study characteristics and research focus.

Comparison of the Effects of Hip and Ankle Focused Progressive Exercise Training on Lower Extremity Function in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

NCT07319403

Ankle Sprains

NOT_YET_RECRUITING NA

The Effects of Unilateral Balance Training Among Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

NCT04139044

Ankle Injuries Ankle Sprains

COMPLETED NA

Comparison of Virtual Reality and Motor Imagery Applications in Patients With Ankle Instability

NCT06356818

Ankle Sprains

NOT_YET_RECRUITING NA

Neurocognitive Exercises for Ankle Instability

NCT06567847

Ankle Sprains

NOT_YET_RECRUITING NA

Effect of Stroboscopic Balance Training on Chronic Ankle Instability in Volleyball Players

NCT07255625

Chronic Ankle Instability

RECRUITING NA

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

Unilateral ankle sprain is a common condition that compromises proprioception and neuromuscular control, often leading to chronic ankle instability. This randomized crossover trial examines the impact of attentional focus strategies during single-leg squats on surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of posterior chain muscles (gluteus medius, biceps femoris, lateral gastrocnemius, and peroneus) and plantar pressure parameters (COP path length and ellipse area) using pedobarographic analysis. Results may guide rehabilitation protocols by integrating cognitive-motor strategies for improved stability and performance.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Unilateral Ankle Sprain Chronic Ankle Instability Muscle Activation Postural Control Attentional Focus in Exercise Neuromuscular Function

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Allocation Method

NON_RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

CROSSOVER

This study uses a randomized crossover design in which all participants undergo each of the three intervention conditions-internal focus, external focus, and no attentional focus-during the single-leg squat exercise. The order of the conditions is randomized for each participant to reduce sequence and carryover effects. A washout period of 48 hours is maintained between each condition to minimize residual neuromuscular effects. This within-subject design allows for direct comparison of attentional focus strategies on posterior chain muscle activation and plantar pressure parameters.

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors

Although participants and intervention providers were not masked due to the nature of attentional focus instructions, the outcomes assessor was blinded to the type of attentional focus condition applied during each trial. The assessor responsible for analyzing the sEMG and pedobarographic data was not present during exercise implementation and was unaware of the group assignments. Data files were coded and randomized before analysis to minimize detection bias and ensure objective evaluation.

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

Internal Focus Condition

Participants are instructed to focus on their own body movements during the single-leg squat task. Examples of internal focus cues include verbal instructions such as "contract your glutes" or "keep your knee aligned." This condition is designed to direct the participant's attention to specific muscular or joint movements involved in the task.

Session Length: Each participant completes 3 sets of 8 repetitions on the affected side.

Rest Period: 1 minute between sets.

Data Collected: Surface EMG (Gluteus Medius, Biceps Femoris, Lateral Gastrocnemius, Peroneus) and pedobarographic parameters during the movement.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus Intervention

Intervention Type OTHER

Administration: Participants were instructed to focus on specific muscular or joint movements during single-leg squats (3 sets of 8 repetitions on the affected side, 1-minute rest between sets). Verbal cues included "contract your glutes" or "keep your knee aligned." Data Collected: Surface EMG (Gluteus Medius, Biceps Femoris, Lateral Gastrocnemius, Peroneus) and pedobarographic parameters.

External Focus Condition

Participants are instructed to focus on the effect of the movement in the environment. External cues include statements such as "push against the floor" or "drive your foot downward to move the platform." The goal is to direct attention away from the body and toward the movement outcome.

Session Length: 3 sets of 8 repetitions on the affected side.

Rest Period: 1 minute between sets.

Data Collected: Surface EMG and pedobarographic data.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

External Focus Intervention

Intervention Type OTHER

Administration: Participants were instructed to focus on the environmental effects of single-leg squats (3 sets of 8 repetitions on the affected side, 1-minute rest between sets). Verbal cues included "push against the floor" or "drive your foot downward." Data Collected: Surface EMG (Gluteus Medius, Biceps Femoris, Lateral Gastrocnemius, Peroneus) and pedobarographic parameters.

No Focus Condition

Participants perform the same single-leg squat task without receiving any specific attentional focus instruction. They are simply asked to perform the exercise naturally, as they normally would.

Session Length: 3 sets of 8 repetitions on the affected side.

Rest Period: 1 minute between sets.

Data Collected: Same neuromuscular and plantar pressure data.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

No Focus Intervention

Intervention Type OTHER

Administration: Participants performed single-leg squats naturally without specific attentional instructions (3 sets of 8 repetitions on the affected side, 1-minute rest between sets).

Data Collected: Surface EMG (Gluteus Medius, Biceps Femoris, Lateral Gastrocnemius, Peroneus) and pedobarographic parameters.

Interventions

Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.

Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus Intervention

Administration: Participants were instructed to focus on specific muscular or joint movements during single-leg squats (3 sets of 8 repetitions on the affected side, 1-minute rest between sets). Verbal cues included "contract your glutes" or "keep your knee aligned." Data Collected: Surface EMG (Gluteus Medius, Biceps Femoris, Lateral Gastrocnemius, Peroneus) and pedobarographic parameters.

Intervention Type OTHER

External Focus Intervention

Administration: Participants were instructed to focus on the environmental effects of single-leg squats (3 sets of 8 repetitions on the affected side, 1-minute rest between sets). Verbal cues included "push against the floor" or "drive your foot downward." Data Collected: Surface EMG (Gluteus Medius, Biceps Femoris, Lateral Gastrocnemius, Peroneus) and pedobarographic parameters.

Intervention Type OTHER

No Focus Intervention

Administration: Participants performed single-leg squats naturally without specific attentional instructions (3 sets of 8 repetitions on the affected side, 1-minute rest between sets).

Data Collected: Surface EMG (Gluteus Medius, Biceps Femoris, Lateral Gastrocnemius, Peroneus) and pedobarographic parameters.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

* Healthy individuals aged approximately 18-25 years
* History of unilateral ankle sprain
* Ability to perform single-leg squat exercises
* Willingness to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

* Acute musculoskeletal injuries preventing participation
* Neurological or neuromuscular impairments
* Uncorrected visual impairments
* Recent surgery or conditions precluding safe exercise

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

25 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No