Effects of biofeedback on whole lower limb joint kinematics and external kinetics. Issue 19 (2nd October 2021) - Mulloy, Franky
ABSTRACT: Biofeedback (BFb) is a useful tool to accelerate the skill development process. Limited research has applied BFb to the whole lower-limb in a complex skill therefore the aim of this research was to assess the effectiveness of a biofeedback intervention targeting whole lower limb kinematics. Thirty-two healthy participants were randomized to a BFb (n = 16) and a Control group (n = 16). Participants visited a motion capture laboratory on three occasions during one week, and returned for retention testing at 4–6 weeks. Following introduction to a novel lunge-touch task, visual BFb on lower limb joint kinematic extension angular velocities (ω) and timing were provided following each lunge. BFb was effective in increasing Hipω ( F = 3.746, p = 0.03) and Kneeω ( F = 10.241, p = 0.01). Peak Ankleω remained unchanged ( F = 1.537, p = 0.23, η 2 = 0.05), however Peak Ankleθ ( F = 10.915, p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.27) and AnkleROM ( F = 9.543, p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.24) significantly increased. Despite kinematic changes, there were no significant changes in any external kinetics. No significant correlations were found between Hipω, Kneeω or Ankleω and horizontal impulse (ImpulseY : r = 0.20, p = 0.26; r = −0.11, p = 0.24; and r = 0.22, p = 0.28, respectively). Findings demonstrate that BFb can be used to alter multiple kinematic variables in a complex skill, but do not necessarily alter associated kinetic variables not directly targeted by BFb.