Neurocognitive Enrichment During Functional Performance Testing in Chronic Ankle Instability (NCT07689747) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Neurocognitive Enrichment During Functional Performance Testing in Chronic Ankle Instability
Turkey (Türkiye)40 participantsStarted 2026-06-08
Plain-language summary
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is associated with recurrent ankle sprains, impaired postural control, and reduced functional performance. Traditional functional performance tests are commonly used to assess athletes with CAI; however, these assessments are typically conducted under isolated motor conditions and may not adequately reflect the neurocognitive demands encountered during sports participation.
The aim of this randomized crossover study is to investigate the acute effects of neurocognitively enriched testing conditions on balance and functional performance in athletes with CAI. Participants will perform functional performance tests under four different conditions: standard testing, internal focus of attention, external focus of attention, and cognitive dual-task conditions. Dynamic balance, vertical jump performance, single-leg hop performance, figure-of-8 hop performance, and dual-task cost will be assessed and compared across conditions.
The findings of this study may contribute to the development of more ecologically valid assessment approaches for athletes with CAI and provide insights into the influence of attentional focus and cognitive load on functional performance.
Who can participate
Age range
16 Years – 25 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged between 16 and 25 years.
* Actively participating as a licensed football, basketball, or volleyball athlete.
* History of at least one lateral ankle sprain occurring ≥12 months before study participation, associated with pain and/or swelling and resulting in at least one day of restricted physical activity.
* History of recurrent ankle instability, defined as at least two episodes of giving way during the previous 6 months and/or recurrent ankle sprains.
* Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score ≤25.
* Participating in regular sports training at least 3 times per week.
* No ankle surgery within the previous 6 months.
* Able to safely perform all functional performance tests.
* Willing to undergo assessment of the more symptomatic ankle; in participants with bilateral chronic ankle instability, the ankle with the lower CAIT score will be evaluated.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Acute ankle sprain within the previous 6 weeks accompanied by significant pain, swelling, or functional limitation.
* History of major lower-extremity surgery (e.g., knee, hip, or ankle surgery).
* History of neurological, vestibular, or systemic disorders that may affect balance or motor performance.
* Visual or cognitive impairments that could interfere with test performance.
* Lower-extremity injuries other than ankle instability within the previous 6 months that may negatively affect functional performance.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Dynamic Balance Performance
Timeframe: Day 1 (during the study assessment session)