Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT07106476

Attentional Focus in Single-Leg Squat for Ankle Sprain

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.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Gülhane Fizyoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Fakültesi, Application Laboratory, Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus Intervention

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 Intervention

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 Intervention

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle Activation (%MVIC)

    Time frame: Immediately post-intervention in a single session.

    Measured via sEMG for Gluteus Medius, Biceps Femoris, Lateral Gastrocnemius, and Peroneus muscles during single-leg squats under each attentional focus condition.

  2. Center of Pressure (COP) Path Length

    Time frame: Immediately post-intervention in a single session.

    Postural control was assessed immediately after each intervention using a pedobarographic platform. Participants stood barefoot on the affected leg for 30 seconds in a standardized posture (hands on hips, eyes open). The primary outcome in this measure is the COP path length, which represents the total displacement of the pressure center during the trial. Longer COP path lengths indicate greater postural instability.

    Data were sampled at 100 Hz and analyzed using standardized software to evaluate the immediate effects of attentional focus strategies on postural stability.

  3. COP Ellipse Area

    Time frame: Immediately post-intervention, in a single session.

    In the same testing conditions as described above, the COP ellipse area was measured. This reflects the 95% confidence area of sway, providing a spatial measure of postural control. Larger ellipse areas denote impaired balance and increased sway.

    This variable was computed using pedobarographic data sampled at 100 Hz and processed with standardized software.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Single-Leg Squat Exercises With Different Attentional Focus Techniques on Plantar Pressure Distribution and Posterior Chain Muscle Activation in Individuals With Unilateral Ankle Sprain

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2025
First posted
Aug 6, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 6, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.