Attention is associated with postural control in those with chronic ankle instability

Abstract

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is often debilitating and may be affected by a number of intrinsic and environmental factors. Alterations in neurocognitive function and attention may contribute to repetitive injury in those with CAI and influence postural control strategies. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in attentional functioning and static postural control among groups of Comparison, Coper and CAI participants and assess the relationship between them within each of the groups. Recruited participants performed single-limb balance trials and completed the CNS Vital Signs (CNSVS) computer-based assessment to assess their attentional function. Center of pressure (COP) velocity (COPv) and maximum range (COPr), in both the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions were calculated from force plate data. Simple attention (SA), which measures self-regulation and attention control was extracted from the CNSVS. Data from 45 participants (15 in each group, 27=female, 18=male) was analyzed for this study. No significant differences were observed between attention or COP variables among each of the groups. However, significant relationships were present between attention and COP variables within the CAI group. CAI participants displayed significant moderate to large correlations between SA and AP COPr (r=-0.59, p=0.010), AP COPv (r=-0.48, p=0.038) and ML COPr (r=-0.47, p=0.034). The results suggest a linear relationship of stability and attention in the CAI group. Attentional self-regulation may moderate how those with CAI control postural stability. Incorporating neurocognitive training focused on attentional control may improve outcomes in those with CAI.

Does Acute Exercise Stress Affect Postural Stability and Cognitive Function in Subjects with Chronic Ankle Instability?

“…Furthermore, three recent studies found that decreased cognitive function may be related to CAI. Rosen et al [8] reported a strong relationship between attentional control and single-leg center of pressure (COP) measures, which was not present in non-injured controls. However, there were no differences between the groups in the measures of attention or COP.…”

Test-retest reliability of linear and nonlinear measures of postural stability during visual deprivation in healthy subjects

“…If one or more of these systems fail, or the sensory information is not correctly processed, the risk of a fall or instability increases. As balance is the foundation for all voluntary motor skills, considerable research has been conducted to evaluate the balance performance in patients with low back pain 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ) , anterior cruciate ligament injury 7 , 8 ) , and chronic ankle instability 9 , 10 ) . Many variables have been developed from force platform signals to quantify postural steadiness.…”

Prevention of Lateral Ankle Sprains

“…This is based on the theory that injuries are most likely to occur when individuals are physically and mentally fatigued, thinking about multiple items (eg, where to run or pass the ball, what play is next), startled, or otherwise distracted. [84][85][86] As cognitive resources are dedicated to other tasks, individuals often lose the concentration that may be needed to stabilize the lower extremity. New evidence 84,86 supported the use of cognitive training in prevention and rehabilitation programs, such as performing cognitive tasks during balancing exercises or incorporating choices and decision making into dynamicstabilization tasks.…”