Effects of biofeedback on whole lower limb joint kinematics and external kinetics

<p> 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 (<em>F</em> = 3.746, <em>p</em> = 0.03) and Kneeω (<em>F</em> = 10.241, <em>p</em> = 0.01). Peak Ankleω remained unchanged (<em>F</em> = 1.537, <em>p</em> = 0.23, η2 = 0.05), however Peak Ankleθ (<em>F</em> = 10.915, <em>p < </em>0.001, η2 = 0.27) and AnkleROM (<em>F = </em>9.543, <em>p < </em>0.001, η2 = 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. </p>