Exposure to visual perturbations elicits adaptation in step kinematics during gait in those with chronic ankle instability.
Serkan Uzlasir, Jason R Franz, Andrew Shelton and 2 others
PMID 41163200WHAT IT FOUND
During treadmill walking, nineteen people with chronic ankle instability shifted from cautious wide steps to reactive step-to-step adjustments when exposed to optical flow or stroboscopic vision.
These kinematic changes persisted briefly after the perturbations stopped.
Key findings
01Optical flow perturbation elicited time-dependent changes in step kinematics, including initial shorter and wider steps followed by a return towards baseline values.
02Stroboscopic vision also caused significant time-dependent changes in step width, step length, and their variability during exposure.
03After cessation of both visual perturbations, participants demonstrated aftereffects characterized by longer and narrower steps compared to baseline.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study used a small sample of 19 participants. Walking was performed on a treadmill at a fixed speed, which may not reflect real-world walking conditions. The study assessed only a single brief exposure session, so the effects of repeated training bouts are unknown. Seven participants had bilateral chronic ankle instability, though the authors argue this did not alter the within-subjects results.
Declared interests
Funded by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)- International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program for Turkish Citizens.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that visual perturbations improve functional outcomes or reduce injury risk. The study measured kinematic changes during a single treadmill session, not long-term balance improvements or clinical recovery.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →