External versus combined attention cues to improve landing in young female athletes
The Effect of External and Combined Focus Instructions on Lower Extremity and Trunk Kinetic and Kinematic Parameters During Landing in Young Female Athletes With Asymptomatic Dynamic Knee Valgus - A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study will test whether using external focus cues, or a mix of external and internal cues, changes landing mechanics, muscle activity, and skill transfer in young female athletes with dynamic knee valgus.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Bahçeşehir University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Long Beach, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT07367308 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Recreationally active females aged 18–30 with asymptomatic dynamic knee valgus will perform single-leg drop vertical jumps under three instruction conditions: external focus, combined external+internal focus, and no instruction. Researchers will measure lower-extremity and trunk kinematics, muscle activation (EMG), and transfer of skill to quantify how attentional cues alter landing mechanics. Participants are screened for BMI (18.5–25 kg/m²), pain, prior surgeries, and current participation in biomechanics programs to ensure safety and eligibility. The protocol aims to determine whether combined attentional strategies produce different biomechanical or neuromuscular responses than external focus alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Recreationally active females aged 18–30 with BMI 18.5–25 kg/m² and measurable dynamic knee valgus (>10°) who can safely perform a 20-cm single-leg drop jump.
Not a fit: Individuals with trunk or lower-extremity pain >3/10 in the past 6 months, prior lower-extremity or back surgery affecting landing, current participation in a biomechanics modification program, inability to safely jump, or those who do not match the age/BMI/activity criteria are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, simple attention cues could be used to improve landing technique, reduce dynamic knee valgus, and lower ACL injury risk in female athletes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies generally show external focus improves landing safety and motor learning and internal focus yields some kinematic benefits, but combined EF+IF approaches are relatively untested and evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Females aged between 18-30 years old BMI between 18.5-25 kg/m² Dynamic knee valgus \>10° during single-leg squat test (Richardson et al., 2020) Being recreationally active (engage in moderate physical activities at least 3 times a week, with each session lasting at least 30 minutes in the past 4 weeks) (Heinert, 2008) Exclusion Criteria: Trunk, lower back, or lower extremity pain greater than 3/10 on numeric pain rating scale (0-10) in the past 6 months History of surgeries in the lower extremity or lower back that may affect the landing mechanism Currently participating in any lower extremity biomechanics modification program Any medical or physical condition that would prevent safe jumping from a 20-cm box
Where this trial is running
Long Beach, California
- California State University, Long Beach — Long Beach, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pelin Pişirici, PT, PhD — Bahçeşehir University
- Study coordinator: Pelin Pişirici, PT, PhD
- Email: pelinpisirici@gmail.com
- Phone: 05055016076
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.