The Effects of Mental Practice on Walking Balance in an Elderly Population

Abstract

This study examined the effects of mental practice on improving walking balance in an elderly population. Walking balance was defined as walking in an upright position without the elicitation of equilibrium reactions. The subjects were videotaped traversing an activity course, and trained observers measured equilibrium reactions (the number of upper extremity reactions elicited) and foot placement for each subject. Twenty-three female subjects between the ages of 61 and 90 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group mentally practiced traversing the activity course with the aid of a 6-minute audiotape. The control group participated in sedentary activities of equal duration. Both groups met for eight sessions. Independent and correlated t tests indicated no significant difference in walking balance between the groups ( p < .05). However, there was a significant difference in equilibrium reactions when subjects carried objects as opposed to walking with their hands free (p < .05). The results and implications of this study are discussed in terms of their significance to occupational therapy practice and research.