Real-Time External Focus of Attention Biofeedback During a Forward Hop-To-Stabilization on Dynamic Postural Stability in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability

Introduction: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common sequela of lateral ankle sprains that impairs postural stability during functional tasks. External biofeedback may be an appropriate rehabilitation tool to improve functional movement; however, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in dynamic tasks in individuals with CAI. This study aimed to assess the effect of real-time external biofeedback via laser on dynamic postural stability indices during a single-limb forward hop-to-stabilization task in participants with CAI. Methods: Eighteen participants with CAI completed five successful forward hop-to-stabilization jumps with and without external biofeedback using a single-dot laser attached to the distal tibia. A single inertial measurement unit fastened to the lower back captured dynamic postural stability indices in the vertical, anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and the resultant of each plane during the 5 s after landing. The mean difference between biofeedback and no biofeedback was assessed using independent t tests. Results: Our results indicate no significant differences were observed between forward hop-to-stabilization tasks with and without real-time external biofeedback in individuals with CAI. Discussion: More research is needed to determine the appropriate biofeedback tool location and modality type of external biofeedback in addition to the minimum amount of training exposure to improve dynamic postural stability during a single-limb landing task.