Either Autonomy Support or Enhanced Expectancies Delivered Via Virtual-Reality Benefits Frontal-Plane Single-Leg...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Motor Learning
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Frontal plane knee mechanics during single-leg squats are associated with elevated anterior cruciate ligament injury risk.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers novel platforms for motor learning interventions.
• Motivational strategies within VR may enhance motor control and reduce injury risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of VR interventions with autonomy support (AS) or enhanced expectancies (EE) on frontal plane single-leg squat kinematics.
• To compare the efficacy of AS and EE motivational strategies against a control group in modifying knee, hip, and trunk frontal plane movement.

Main Methods:

• Forty-five participants with at-risk frontal plane mechanics were randomized into control, AS, or EE groups.
• Participants performed single-leg squats mimicking a VR avatar.
• AS involved avatar color choice; EE provided real-time biofeedback for safe mechanics.

Main Results:

• The control group showed significantly greater increases in knee abduction compared to AS and EE groups.
• All groups exhibited increased peak hip adduction, indicating worsening hip mechanics.
• Autonomy support and enhanced expectancies mitigated maladaptive frontal plane knee movements.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality interventions incorporating autonomy support and enhanced expectancies can positively influence frontal plane knee mechanics.
• These motivational strategies show potential in reducing biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
• Further research is warranted to explore long-term effects and broader applications of VR in injury prevention.