NCT07134829

The Effects of Stroboscopic Visual Conditions on Gait and Lower Limb Muscle Activity in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 25 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Sahmyook University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This interventional study will investigate the effects of stroboscopic visual conditions on gait patterns and lower limb muscle activation in adults with chronic ankle instability (CAI). CAI often results in impaired sensorimotor control, leading to altered gait strategies such as slower walking speed, shorter step length, and increased visual reliance. Stroboscopic glasses intermittently restrict visual input, potentially reducing visual dependence and enhancing proprioceptive feedback. Participants will complete walking trials under three randomized visual conditions: high-frequency stroboscopic, low-frequency stroboscopic, and no-glasses control. Gait parameters will be measured using the GAITRite system, and surface electromyography (sEMG) will record activation of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and gastrocnemius muscles. Findings may provide insight into sensorimotor adaptation mechanisms and inform rehabilitation strategies to improve functional stability in individuals with CAI.

Detailed description

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a frequent outcome after ankle sprains, characterized by recurrent giving-way episodes, pain, and functional limitations. Approximately 40% of individuals with ankle sprains develop CAI, which is associated with deficits in proprioception, neuromuscular coordination, and postural stability. Increased visual reliance is a common compensatory strategy, but this can impair balance and gait when visual input is limited, raising the risk of re-injury. Stroboscopic glasses alternate between transparent and opaque states, intermittently restricting visual information. This challenges the sensorimotor system, potentially reducing visual dependence and enhancing proprioceptive engagement. Prior research has shown benefits for static and dynamic balance, but little is known about effects on walking in CAI populations. This randomized crossover study will assess the impact of high-frequency and low-frequency stroboscopic visual conditions compared with normal vision on gait and lower limb muscle activation in CAI. Adults aged 18-45 years with CAIT scores \< 24 and a history of ankle instability within 6 months will be recruited. Exclusion criteria include recent lower limb surgery/fracture, systemic conditions affecting balance, or inability to follow instructions. Participants will perform walking trials on a 5-meter GAITRite walkway under three randomized visual conditions: 1. High-frequency stroboscopic (rapid alternation) 2. Low-frequency stroboscopic (slower alternation) 3. No-glasses control (normal vision) Gait parameters (step length, step time, gait velocity, swing/stance phases) will be measured, and sEMG (Noraxon) will assess activation of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and gastrocnemius, normalized to MVIC. Subjective measures include CAIT, FAAM, IdFAI, and VAS pain scores. It is hypothesized that stroboscopic conditions will produce measurable changes in gait and muscle activity compared with control, reflecting adaptive sensorimotor strategies that can inform rehabilitation programs to improve stability, mobility, and reduce re-injury risk.

Conditions

• Chronic Ankle Instability

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Stroboscopic Visual Conditions	Participants will perform walking trials under three visual conditions: high-frequency stroboscopic glasses, low-frequency stroboscopic glasses, and no-glasses control. Each participant will complete three 5-meter walking trials per condition, with the order of conditions randomized. Gait parameters will be recorded using the GAITRite walkway system, and muscle activity will be measured using surface electromyography.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-31
• Primary completion: 2025-09-28
• Completion: 2025-10-12
• First posted: 2025-08-21
• Last updated: 2025-08-21

Locations

1 site across 1 country: South Korea