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

Abstract

Background It has been shown that cognitive loading affects postural control in different populations. However, there is limited and conflicting information about dual task challenges on postural control in chronic ankle instability (CAI). Research Question Does cognitive task performance change standing postural control in individuals with CAI, copers and healthy subjects? Methods A descriptive, analytic, and controlled cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 individuals. They were assigned into three matched groups, including CAI, copers, and healthy controls. Postural control variables were collected during single leg standing on a force plate with and without vision and cognition. Parameters of center of pressure (COP), including mean COP area, range, sway index and velocity, were measured. Additionally, cognitive task performance by auditory stroop was assessed by calculating the reaction time and error ratio. Mixed model ANOVAs were used to determine the effects of group and testing conditions.