Using a target as external focus of attention results in a better jump-landing technique in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction-A cross-over study

Background: Improving jump-landing technique during rehabilitation is important and may be achieved through different feedback techniques, i.e., internal focus of attention (IF) or external focus of attention using a target (EF). However, there is a lack of evidence on the most effective feedback technique after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential difference in jumplanding techniques between IF and EF instructions in patients after ACLR. Methods: Thirty patients (12 females, mean age 23.26 +/- 4.91 years) participated after ACLR. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups that each followed a different testing sequence. Patients performed a drop vertical jump-landing test after receiving instructions with varying types of focus of attention. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) assessed the jump-landing technique. Results: EF was associated with a significantly better LESS score (P < 0.001) compared with IF. Only EF instructions led to improvements in jump-landing technique. Conclusion: Using a target as EF resulted in a significantly better jump-landing technique than IF in patients after ACLR. This indicates that increased use of EF could or might result in a better treatment outcome during ACLR rehabilitation. (c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC