Volume 24, Issue 6 (9-2026)
TB 2026, 24(6): 1-15 |
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Ethics code: IR.YAZD.REC.1403.116
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Samadi1 H, Hajlotfalian2 M, razi M. The Effect of Different Attentional Focus Strategies on the Quality of Selected Gait Parameters in Adolescents with Educable Intellectual Disabilities. TB 2026; 24 (6) :1-15
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3827-en.html
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3827-en.html
farhangian uni , mrazi@cfu.ac.ir
Abstract: (19 Views)
Introduction: Individuals with educable intellectual disability often experience cognitive and motor limitations that may impair balance, gait, and ultimately functional independence. Given the critical role of attentional focus in motor control, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different attentional focus strategies on gait quality in adolescents with educable intellectual disabilities
Methods:This quasi-experimental study with a within-subjects design was conducted on 25 students aged 11 to 13 years with educable intellectual disability in the year 2025. Participants walked along a 10‑meter walkway under four randomized attentional focus conditions (control, internal focus, proximal external focus, and distal external focus). Kinematic data were collected using seven inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, and three key gait parameters -gait velocity, kinematic variability, and gait symmetry—were analyzed. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the experimental conditions. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24, with a significance level set at 0/05.
Results: The results revealed significant differences between attentional focus conditions in gait velocity (p<0/001, η²=0/413) and kinematic variability (p<0/001, η²=0/257). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in gait symmetry (p=0/160). External focus increased gait velocity, whereas internal focus was associated with greater movement variability.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the type of attentional focus can influence gait quality in adolescents with educable intellectual disabilities. In particular, employing external focus of attention be beneficial in designing motor interventions aimed at improving functional independence and reducing fall risk in this population.
Methods:This quasi-experimental study with a within-subjects design was conducted on 25 students aged 11 to 13 years with educable intellectual disability in the year 2025. Participants walked along a 10‑meter walkway under four randomized attentional focus conditions (control, internal focus, proximal external focus, and distal external focus). Kinematic data were collected using seven inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, and three key gait parameters -gait velocity, kinematic variability, and gait symmetry—were analyzed. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the experimental conditions. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24, with a significance level set at 0/05.
Results: The results revealed significant differences between attentional focus conditions in gait velocity (p<0/001, η²=0/413) and kinematic variability (p<0/001, η²=0/257). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in gait symmetry (p=0/160). External focus increased gait velocity, whereas internal focus was associated with greater movement variability.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the type of attentional focus can influence gait quality in adolescents with educable intellectual disabilities. In particular, employing external focus of attention be beneficial in designing motor interventions aimed at improving functional independence and reducing fall risk in this population.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
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Received: 2025/09/14 | Accepted: 2025/11/20 | Published: 2026/09/1
Received: 2025/09/14 | Accepted: 2025/11/20 | Published: 2026/09/1
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