The Effect of Motor Image Training on Balance Performance in Geriatric Individuals

Launched by MUĞLA SITKI KOÇMAN UNIVERSITY · Sep 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different types of training can improve balance in older adults, specifically those aged 60 to 80 years. The researchers want to find out if combining virtual reality-based balance training with methods like action observation and motor imagery (which involves visualizing movements) is more effective than using virtual reality training alone. The goal is to see if this combined approach helps participants not only improve their static (standing still) and dynamic (moving) balance but also boosts their confidence in maintaining balance.

To participate, individuals must be between 60 and 80 years old, speak and understand Turkish, and be able to walk independently. They should also be able to perform daily activities without assistance and have no severe health issues that could impact their balance. Participants in the study group will undergo 45 minutes of training twice a week for six weeks, while those in the control group will have 25 minutes of training. Assessments will be conducted before and after the training to evaluate the results. This trial is currently recruiting participants and aims to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. To be between 60-80 years old
• • 2. Having the ability to speak, read, understand and write Turkish
• • 3. To have the cognitive skills to understand and apply the trainings to be applied in the study (with ≥ 24 points from the Mini Mental State Test)
• • 4. Being able to do activities of daily living independently
• • 5. Being able to walk independently (without using a walking aid and at least 10 meters)
• • 6. Having a body mass index of \<35 kg/m2 (not being severely obese or morbidly obese)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Having visual, hearing and sensory impairment
• • 2. To have had a trauma, lesion or surgery that may affect balance and musculoskeletal system in the last 6 months
• • 3. Having a history of 2 ≥ falls in the last 6 months
• • 4. Having any chronic lower extremity pain
• • 5. Having an acute or chronic illness that may cause problems with balance and falling
• • 6. Being diagnosed with sensory, vestibular and cerebellar ataxia
• • 7. Being on any medication that may cause problems with balance, focus, attention and falling.
• • 8. Exercising regularly, which may affect performance results
• • 9. To stop participating in the study for any reason