Motor imagery training to improve balance in older adults
Investigation of the Effects of Motor Imagery Training Given With Action Observation on Balance Performance in Geriatric Individuals
NA · Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University · NCT06056180
This study tests if combining motor imagery training with watching actions can help older adults improve their balance better than just using virtual reality balance training alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Menteşe, Muğla) |
| Trial ID | NCT06056180 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of motor imagery training combined with action observation on balance performance in geriatric individuals. It compares the effectiveness of this combined approach to virtual reality-based balance training alone over a six-week period. The study aims to assess improvements in both static and dynamic balance, as well as balance confidence among participants. A total of 46 individuals aged 60 and over will be enrolled, and the study will be conducted in a randomized controlled, single-blind manner.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are geriatric individuals aged 60 to 80 who can independently perform daily activities and walk without aids.
Not a fit: Patients with severe visual, hearing, or sensory impairments, or those with recent trauma affecting balance, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance balance and reduce fall risk in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While various balance training methods have shown effectiveness in geriatric populations, this specific combination of virtual reality and motor imagery training is novel and has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Menteşe, Muğla
- Mugla Sitki Kocman University — Menteşe, Muğla, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Şeyda Ercan Yüceer — Mugla Sitki Kocman Univercity
- Study coordinator: Şeyda Ercan Yüceer
- Email: seydaercan22@gmail.com
- Phone: +905070202276
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Imagery, Postural Control, Postural Balance, Virtual Reality Therapy, Surface Electromyography, Geriatric Assessment, Physical Therapy Techniques, Physical Therapy