Leen Aldash

Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, UAE

Abstract Title:

Biography: Leen Aldash is a physiotherapy graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sharjah with academic distinction and clinical exposure in sports rehabilitation and musculoskeletal settings at age of 22. Her interests lie in neuromuscular performance, balance, and injury prevention. Leen has contributed to pioneering research in functional ankle instability and cognitive-motor interference, presenting at national forums. Her work reflects a strong commitment to integrating evidence-based practice in physiotherapy and improving functional outcomes for active populations.

Research Interest: Functional Ankle Instability (FAI) is a common condition among active individuals, marked by recurrent ankle sprains and impaired postural control. This study investigates the effect of cognitive-motor dual tasks (CMDT) on static and dynamic balance in individuals with and without FAI, with a focus on gender differences. A cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted on 92 participants aged 18–26 years. Balance performance was assessed using the TechnoBody Balance System under both single- and dual-task conditions. Results revealed significantly impaired balance in FAI participants during CMDT compared to controls (p < 0.05), with dynamic balance being more affected. Gender-based analysis showed males outperforming females under dynamic dual-task conditions, while females with FAI demonstrated better static balance, suggesting divergent neuromuscular strategies. CMDT was shown to challenge postural control significantly, especially in FAI individuals. The study underscores the importance of integrating cognitive challenges in rehabilitation programs and highlights gender-specific adaptations to dual-task conditions. These findings emphasize the potential for individualized rehabilitation protocols aimed at enhancing functional stability and injury prevention in active populations.