Focus Strategies for Preventing Knee Injuries
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how different focus strategies can help female athletes prevent knee injuries. It investigates the effects of focusing on external cues (such as landing softly) or combining focus strategies (known as Combined Focus of Attention Instruction) on movement and muscle use during jumps. The goal is to determine if combining focus strategies enhances safe landing techniques more effectively than focusing externally alone. Women who are active, have no knee pain, and notice their knees turning inwards during squatting may be well-suited for this study. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative research that could improve athletic performance and injury prevention strategies.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that these focus strategies are safe for preventing knee injuries?
Research has shown that focus of attention strategies can safely and effectively enhance how athletes land. Studies have found that the Combined Focus of Attention Instruction improves athletes' knee position and landing form, reducing the risk of knee injuries. No harmful side effects have been reported with this approach.
Evidence suggests that the External Focus of Attention Instruction helps athletes land more quietly and safely. This method has proven beneficial without causing negative effects. Both strategies appear well-tolerated, improving landing skills without adverse impacts.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these methods for preventing knee injuries because they focus on how attention is directed during physical activities. Unlike traditional approaches that might emphasize physical strengthening alone, these methods explore how focusing attention externally or combining different types of focus can impact knee stability during movements like jump landings. This could provide new insights into reducing knee injuries by not just strengthening the body, but also by training the mind on where to direct attention during physical activity.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for preventing knee injuries?
This trial will compare different focus strategies for preventing knee injuries. Research has shown that focusing on both internal and external cues can improve landing techniques in female athletes and reduce knee valgus, the inward collapse of the knee. Participants in the Combined Focus of Attention Group (CFAG) will receive verbal instructions that combine these focuses. Studies suggest this approach can lower the risk of ACL injuries by enhancing landing techniques. Participants in the External Focus of Attention Group (EFAG) will receive instructions that direct attention to the movement's outcome. This method has been shown to increase bending at the knee and hip after landing, reducing stress on the knee joint and potentially lowering injury risk. Both methods are helpful, but using them together might provide extra benefits for safer and more controlled landings.12345
Who Is on the Research Team?
Pelin Pişirici, PT, PhD
Principal Investigator
Bahçeşehir University
Sharon Teng, PT, PhD
Principal Investigator
California State University, Department of Physical Therapy
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young female athletes aged 18-30 with a healthy body weight (BMI of 18.5-25) who are active at least three times a week. They should have dynamic knee valgus greater than 10°, which means their knees tend to collapse inward when they squat.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Training
Participants perform training blocks consisting of 5 repetitions and 2 sets of single-leg drop jump landings with different focus instructions
Immediate Post-Intervention Assessment
3D motion analysis and EMG assessments are conducted immediately after the intervention to evaluate changes in kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for retention of training effects one week after the baseline
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Combined Focus of Attention Instruction
- External Focus of Attention Instruction
Trial Overview
The study tests how different instructions on where to focus attention during jumps affect landing techniques in these athletes. It compares no instruction, focusing on the body's movements (internal), and focusing on something external like the ground or ball (external).
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
After participants meet the inclusion criteria are randomized and assigned to the external attentional focus group. They will perform training blocks consisting of 5 repetitions and 2 sets of single-leg drop jump landings before and after the evaluations. During the jumps, instructions will focus on external attentional focus and will be repeated for each jump. A 1-minute rest period will be provided between training blocks.
After participants meet the inclusion criteria are randomized and assigned to the combined attentional focus group. They will perform training blocks consisting of 5 repetitions and 2 sets of single-leg drop jump landings before and after the evaluations. During the jumps, instructions will focus on combined attentional focus and will be repeated for each jump. A 1-minute rest period will be provided between training blocks.
After participants meet the inclusion criteria are randomized and assigned to the control group. They will perform training blocks consisting of 5 repetitions and 2 sets of single-leg drop jump landings before and after the intervention. During the jumps, no instructions will be given. A 1-minute rest period will be provided between training blocks.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Bahçeşehir University
Lead Sponsor
California State University, Long Beach
Collaborator
Citations
The Effect of Verbal Combined Focus of Attention and Video ...
Our study demonstrated that while both types of instructions were effective in improving knee valgus and landing technique, verbal combined focus instructions ...
The Effect of Verbal Combined Focus of Attention and ...
Our study demonstrated that while both types of instructions were effective in improving knee valgus and landing technique, verbal combined focus instructions ...
External vs Combined Focus Effects on Landing in Female ...
Female athletes experience knee injuries significantly more often, with an incidence rate approximately 3.5 times higher than that of their male ...
The Effect of Verbal Combined Focus of Attention and ...
Our study demonstrated that while both types of instructions were effective in improving knee valgus and landing technique, verbal combined focus instructions ...
(PDF) The Effect of Verbal Combined Focus of Attention ...
Findings from efficacy studies have shown decreased in ACL injury rates in (predominantly female) athletes participating in prevention programs.
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