Effects of Gait Retraining With Auditory Feedback

Effects of Gait Retraining With Auditory Feedback on Biomechanics and Ankle Joint Health in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability

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.

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