Autonomy on timing of feedback enhances movement technique - tips & tricks for ACL injury prevention

To receive long-term real world effects, motor learning to prevent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries can be optimized with optimizing performance through intrinsic motivation and attention for learning (the OPTIMAL theory of motor learning). It requires conditions that 1) enhance learners’ expectations (EE) for future performance, 2) provide learners with autonomy, and 3) promote an external focus (EF) of attention. Within this triple play model, motivation (1 & 2) and attentional focus (3) is addressed to enhance motor learning. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of autonomy on timing of feedback on movement technique. It was hypothesized that the self-controlled (SC) group demonstrate better movement technique (i.e. reduced load at the knee) compared to the yoked (YO) group.