Unilateral Ankle SprainNCT07106476
Attentional Focus in Single-Leg Squat for Ankle Sprain
A study testing Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus Intervention, External Focus Intervention and No Focus Intervention in people with Unilateral Ankle Sprain and Chronic Ankle Instability, run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Unilateral Ankle Sprain, Chronic Ankle Instability, Muscle Activation
- What is being tested?
- Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus Intervention, External Focus Intervention and No Focus Intervention
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 10 Oct 2024to 12 May 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- Acute musculoskeletal injuries preventing participation
- Neurological or neuromuscular impairments
- Uncorrected visual impairments
- Recent surgery or conditions precluding safe exercise
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Gülhane Fizyoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Fakültesi, Application Laboratory, Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi
Ankara
About this study
Official 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
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.
Read the detailed 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.
- Conditions
- Unilateral Ankle Sprain, Chronic Ankle Instability, Muscle Activation, Postural Control, Attentional Focus in Exercise, Neuromuscular Function
- Being tested
- Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus Intervention, External Focus Intervention, No Focus Intervention
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus InterventionOther
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 InterventionOther
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 InterventionOther
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Focus Condition | Experimental | 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. Receives: Other: Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus Intervention |
| External Focus Condition | Experimental | 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. Receives: Other: External Focus Intervention |
| No Focus Condition | Experimental | 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. Receives: Other: No Focus Intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Muscle Activation (%MVIC)
Measured via sEMG for Gluteus Medius, Biceps Femoris, Lateral Gastrocnemius, and Peroneus muscles during single-leg squats under each attentional focus condition.
Measured: Immediately post-intervention in a single session.
Center of Pressure (COP) Path Length
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.
Measured: Immediately post-intervention in a single session.
COP Ellipse Area
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.
Measured: Immediately post-intervention, in a single session.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Aug 2025
- Study start10 Oct 2024
- Primary completion10 Oct 2024
- Study completion12 May 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Unilateral Ankle SprainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- 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.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07106476
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024/08
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 9 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 6 Aug 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: The data will not be shared publicly due to participant confidentiality and institutional data policy.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Aug 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official 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
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07106476
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2024/08
- Conditions
- Unilateral Ankle Sprain, Chronic Ankle Instability, Muscle Activation, Postural Control, Attentional Focus in Exercise, Neuromuscular Function
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 12 May 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed 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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- 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.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Focus Condition | Experimental | Other: Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus InterventionParticipants 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. |
| External Focus Condition | Experimental | Other: External Focus InterventionParticipants 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. |
| No Focus Condition | Experimental | Other: No Focus InterventionParticipants 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Acute musculoskeletal injuries preventing participation
- Neurological or neuromuscular impairments
- Uncorrected visual impairments
- Recent surgery or conditions precluding safe exercise
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus InterventionAdministration: 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. | Other | Internal Focus Condition |
| External Focus InterventionAdministration: 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. | Other | External Focus Condition |
| No Focus InterventionAdministration: 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. | Other | No Focus Condition |
Primary outcome
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.
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.
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.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Aug 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. The data will not be shared publicly due to participant confidentiality and institutional data policy.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Single-Leg Squat with Internal Focus Intervention, External Focus Intervention and No Focus Intervention in people with Unilateral Ankle Sprain and Chronic Ankle Instability, run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Aug 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Muscle Activation (%MVIC) (time frame: Immediately post-intervention in a single session.). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Aug 2025.