MedPath

Effects of Gait Retraining With Auditory Feedback

Early Phase 1
Completed
Conditions
Ankle Inversion Sprain
Ankle Injuries
Interventions
Other: Auditory Feedback
Other: No Feedback
Registration Number
NCT04302961
Lead Sponsor
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Brief Summary

There is evidence to support individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have altered gait biomechanics which may lead to re-injury and poor patient outcomes. Currently, there are no interventions specifically targeting these abnormal gait biomechanics. Evidence supports the use of an external focus of attention feedback to promote motor learning and retention. The overall purpose of randomized clinical trial is to determine the effects of a 2-week (8 session) gait retraining protocol using an auditory external feedback instrument can (1) alter biomechanics during functional tasks (walking, step-down, lunge, lateral hops, and balance) (2) improve ankle cartilage measures and (3) improve patient-reported outcome measures.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
28
Inclusion Criteria
  • History of at least one ankle sprain
  • Index ankle sprain > 12 months prior to study enrollment
  • Most recent ankle sprain > 12 weeks prior to study enrollment
  • Score >10 on the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) survey.
  • Score <95% on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living and a <85% on the Sport subscales
  • Be physically active by participating in some form of physical activity for at least 20 min per day, three times per week.
Exclusion Criteria
  • History of ankle surgery
  • History of other musculoskeletal injuries within the past 6 weeks
  • Any condition affecting plantar pressure distribution
  • Neurological or vestibular disorders affecting balance
  • Current/previous self-reported disability due to lower extremity pathology that may adversely affect neuromuscular function

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Auditory FeedbackAuditory FeedbackParticipants will complete 8 sessions over a 2-week period of walking gait retraining on a treadmill while receiving auditory feedback.
No FeedbackNo FeedbackParticipants will complete 8 sessions over a 2-week period of walking on a treadmill without receiving feedback.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes from baseline in talar cartilage deformation before and after walkingImmediate post-intervention, 1-week post-intervention

Talar cartilage thickness and cross-sectional area will be measured with an diagnostic ultrasound imaging system

Changes from baseline in self-reported ankle functionImmediate post-intervention, 1-week post-intervention

Changes from baseline in self-reported function as measured by the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living and Sport questionnaire. Scores range from 100% (no decrease in function) to 0% (complete loss of function).

Changes from baseline in lower extremity kinetics during walkingImmediate post-intervention, 1-week post-intervention

Plantar pressure and center of pressure trajectory measured with an in-shoe plantar pressure system

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes from baseline in static balanceImmediate post-intervention, 1-week post-intervention

Static balance will be measured via a force plate

2. Changes from baseline in plantar pressure during forward lunges, lateral hops, and a step-downImmediate post-intervention, 1-week post-intervention

Plantar pressure during forward lunges, lateral hops, and a step-down will be recorded with an in-shoe insole system.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

UNC Charlotte

🇺🇸

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

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