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. 2024 Nov 1;19(11):1362–1372. doi: 10.26603/001c.123956

Table 2. Example exercise modifications incorporating Neurocognitive and Ecological Challenges.

Exercise Neurocognitive load Strategic
(no / low uncertainty in task-environment)
Tactical
(manipulation of uncertainty in the task-environment)
Reactive
(uncontrolled uncertainty in the task-environment)
Instruction / feedback to improve knee flexion Instruction / feedback to reduce knee abduction
Box jumps. Lower order:
1visual attention,2processing speed,
3reaction time,
4decision making,
5dual tasking.
Higher order:
6inhibitory control,
7working memory
Stand sideways in one of the quadrants of a square. Jump quickly along the course with self-chosen speed, height, direction, and turns.2 Options can include lateral, medial, forward, backward. Stand sideways in one of the quadrants of a square. Jump along the course with self-chosen speed, height, direction, and turns.2
1) While doing this, throw and catch or dribble with a ball.5
1) While doing this, alternate between two legs and one leg.
You and your partner are both in your own quadrant.
1) Your partner indicates different directions, turns, heights and speeds and you mimic your partner.1,2,4
2) Give each quadrant a number. Hop forward on one leg from one number to another, following a sequence that your partner calls out, such as 4-1-3-2.2 The call can be either before7 or while4 jumping. If possible do as a group with a visual cue. Can use visual cue patterns to indicate box jump pattern.
3) Hop forward on one leg. Look at your partner who is holding up a ball of a certain size (S/L) and side (L/R) quickly after each of your landings and immediately say the size and jump the direction indicated as quickly as possible.1,3,4
“Land as softly as you can.”

“Pretend you are going to sit on a chair when landing.”

“Make as less noise as possible when landing.“

“Pretend someone is sleeping next to you, don’t wake him up when you land!”

“Pretend you are landing in a puddle of water, don’t splash it too much!”
“Pretend you have headlights in your knees and point them forward.”

“Make sure the tip of your shoes point forward when you land.”

“Land on the targets on the floor.”