Attentional Focus in Single-Leg Squat for Ankle Sprain

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Status: Completed

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

Treatments: Other: External Focus Intervention; Other: No Focus Intervention; Other: Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus Intervention

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07106476

2024/08

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 32 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 25 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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32 participants in 3 patient groups

Internal Focus Condition

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Other: Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus Intervention

External Focus Condition

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Other: External Focus Intervention

No Focus Condition

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Other: No Focus Intervention