Attentional Demands of Postural Control in Chronic Ankle Instability, Copers and Healthy controls: A Controlled Cross-sectional Study

Background and Aim : It has been shown that cognitive loading affects postural control in different populations. However there is limited and conflicting information about dual task challenge on postural control in chronic ankle instability (CAI).Methods : A descriptive, analytic, controlled cross-sectional study, was undertaken in 75 individuals. They were assigned in to three matched groups including CAI, copers and healthy control. Postural control variables were collected during Single leg standing on force plate with and without auditory Stroop task and vision (eyes open-eyes closed). Parameters of Center of pressure (COP) including, mean velocity, range, area and sway index were measured. Also, cognitive task performance was assessed with calculating the reaction time and error ratio . The mixed model ANOVAs were used to determine the main effects of group and testing conditions.Results : Significant main effect of vision was observed for all COP parameters, with greater COP sway (velocity, range, area and sway index) during eyes closed compared to eyes open (P<0.05). The main effect of cognitive task was significant as well, with reduced COP sway velocity, range, area and sway index while performing the secondary cognitive compared to single task in the all three groups (P<0.05). Also, the CAI group demonstrated greater COP sway parameters compared to other groups during both conditions with and without cognitive task. The results of auditory stroop task revealed longer reaction times and higher error ratio in CAI groups compared to the copers and healthy individuals (p<0.05).Conclusion : Considering the effect of cognitive loading on postural control deficits in CAI especially in eye- closed condition and effects of cognitive loading, may can guide us to improve postural control in those with CAI with proprioceptive and neurocognitive training. Furthermore, no difference between coper and healthy groups may imply successful compensatory postural control mechanism in copers.

Keywords:

Chronic ankle instability , Postural control , Cognitive task