ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Altered movement patterns during weight-bearing activities have been associated with knee injuries and can be clinically assessed using the lateral step-down test (LSD). It is possible that verbal feedback can improve movement patterns, but it remains unknown whether verbal feedback can improve movement quality during the LSD. PURPOSE: To investigate whether verbal feedback can immediately improve visual movement quality and trunk, pelvis and lower limb kinematics in healthy females during the LSD. METHODS: 34 healthy females were assessed visually and with 3D kinematics while performing the LSD. Participants were divided into Good Movement Group (GG; n = 18) and Poor Movement Group (PG; n = 16) based on the LSD score. The feedback involved verbal instructions aimed at improving trunk, pelvis, hip and knee alignment during the test. Lower limb flexibility and strength were assessed for group comparisons and to investigate associations between all variables. Data analyses were performed using repeated-measures two-way ANOVAs and Spearman correlation tests. RESULTS: Feedback immediately improved movement quality, especially in participants of the GG [mean difference (MD) = 2.2 points; P < 0.001]. The PG showed greater pelvic drop (MD = 5.1°; P = 0.012), greater hip adduction (MD = 5.4°; P = 0.028) and less hip flexion (MD = 8.4°; P = 0.016) than the GG. Quality of movement had positive correlations with pelvic drop (r = 0.39; P = 0.02), hip adduction (r = 0.45; P = 0.01) and hip flexion (r = 0.49; P < 0.01) kinematics. CONCLUSIONS: Verbal feedback improved movement quality during the LSD in healthy females. Females with worst movement quality showed greater pelvic drop and hip adduction, which are often found in individuals with knee disorders.
