Effects of attentional focus strategies in drop landing biomechanics of individuals with unilateral functional ankle instability.

BACKGROUND

Functional Ankle Instability (FAI) is a pervasive condition that can emerge following inadequate management of lateral ankle sprains. It is hallmarked by chronic joint instability and a subsequent deterioration in physical performance. The modulation of motor patterns through attentional focus is a well-established concept in the realm of motor learning and performance optimization. However, the precise manner in which attentional focus can rehabilitate or refine movement patterns in individuals with FAI remains to be fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of attentional focus strategies on the biomechanics of single-leg drop landing movements among individuals with FAI.

METHODS

Eighteen males with unilateral FAI were recruited. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using an infrared three-dimensional motion capture system and force plates. Participants performed single-leg drop landing tasks under no focus (baseline), internal focus (IF), and external focus (EF) conditions. Biomechanical characteristics, including joint angles, ground reaction forces, and leg stiffness, were assessed. A 2 × 3 [side (unstable and stable) × focus (baseline, IF, and EF)] Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA) analyzed the effects of attentional focus on biomechanical variables in individuals with FAI.

RESULTS

No significant interaction effects were observed in this study. At peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), the knee flexion angle was significantly influenced by attentional focus, with a markedly greater angle under EF compared to IF ( < 0.001). Additionally, at peak vGRF, the ankle joint plantarflexion angle was significantly smaller with EF than with IF ( < 0.001). Significant main effects of focus were found for peak vGRF and the time to reach peak vGRF, with higher peak vGRF values observed under baseline and IF conditions compared to EF ( < 0.001). Participants reached peak vGRF more quickly under IF ( < 0.001). Leg Stiffness (k) was significantly higher under IF compared to EF ( = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

IF enhances joint stability in FAI, whereas EF promotes a conservative landing strategy with increased knee flexion, dispersing impact and minimizing joint stress. Integrating these strategies into FAI rehabilitation programs can optimize lower limb biomechanics and reduce the risk of reinjury.