Using an external focus of attention for gait retraining in runners: A case report

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Many gait retraining studies use cues that promote internal focus of attention. However, the motor control literature clearly shows the beneficial effects of using cues that promote an external focus of attention (EFOA) when teaching new movements. This case report seeks to illustrate the outcomes of using an EFOA for running gait retraining. It also examines whether retrained mechanics transfer across different running speeds.

Case Descriptions

A 22-year-old female competitive runner with a history of tibial stress injuries was the participant.

Patient Management

Baseline assessments of flexibility, strength, and running biomechanics were performed after which an eight-session gait retraining protocol was implemented. Visual (mirror) and verbal feedback (EFOA) cues were provided during the retraining protocol. Outcomes showed improved hip, knee, and ankle kinematics, reduced ground reaction forces, and earlier onset and longer durations of muscle activity following retraining. These improvements transferred across running speeds.

Discussion and Conclusion

In this participant, EFOA cues were effective for the gait retraining protocol and the benefits were transferable across running speeds. Clinicians should consider how EFOA cues may be incorporated to improve gait retraining outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Focus of attention
• kinematics
• kinetics
• motor learning

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Christopher Casillas for his assistance in data collection. This study was funded by the Ellen Kreighbaum Movement Science Lab Endowment at Montana State University.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no financial disclosures or conflicts of interest to report.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the The Ellen Kreighbaum Movement Science Lab Endowment at Montana State University [0001].