The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of acute action observation, motor imagery, exercise, and combined exercise training on parameters such as balance, reaction time, flexibility, fear of falling, cognitive status, attention, and memory in older adults.
Previous studies investigating motor imagery and action observation training have examined their long-term effects in both young and older adults. Existing evidence regarding the benefits of exercise training indicates positive effects in both populations. However, the number of studies focusing on the acute effects of motor imagery and action observation training in the literature is very limited. Individuals who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned-using the Research Randomizer application-into five groups: motor imagery, action observation, exercise, combined exercise, and control group. A total of 50 participants, with 10 individuals in each group, will be included in the study. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
50
Participants will engage in a motor imagery exercise program consisting of 5 minutes of warm-up, 20 minutes of motor imagery, and 5 minutes of cool-down, totaling 30 minutes. The intervention will be administered in three sessions per week for one week.
Participants will receive an action observation training program delivered by researchers, including 5 minutes of warm-up, 20 minutes of action observation, and 5 minutes of cool-down, totaling 30 minutes. The intervention will be administered in three sessions per week for one week.
Participants will perform a standard physical exercise program. The session will last 30 minutes, including warm-up, exercise, and cool-down phases. The intervention will be administered in three sessions per week for one week.
Dokuz Eylül University
Izmir, İzmir, Turkey (Türkiye)
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a simple and widely used clinical test to assess functional mobility, balance, and fall risk in older adults. It measures the time it takes for an individual to stand up from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Functional Reach Test (FRT)
The Functional Reach Test (FRT) is a clinical assessment tool used to evaluate dynamic balance and stability. It measures the maximum distance an individual can reach forward beyond arm's length while standing in a fixed position without losing balance or taking a step.
Time frame: 2 weeks
10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)
The 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) is a standardized assessment used to measure walking speed over a short distance. It evaluates functional mobility, gait performance, and lower extremity motor function by recording the time taken to walk a distance of 10 meters at a comfortable or maximum pace.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Computerized Serial Reaction Time Test (SRTT)
The Computerized Serial Reaction Time Test (SRTT) is a cognitive-motor task used to assess implicit motor learning, reaction time, and attention. In this test, participants respond as quickly and accurately as possible to visual stimuli that appear in a specific sequence on a computer screen, allowing for the measurement of both response speed and learning patterns
Time frame: 2 weeks
Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST)
The Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) is a simple and reliable clinical assessment used to evaluate lower limb muscle strength, functional mobility, and fall risk. It measures the time it takes for an individual to rise from a chair and sit back down five times as quickly as possible without using their arms for support
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articipants will engage in a combined motor imagery and action observation program for a total of 30 minutes, incorporating elements of both interventions. The intervention will be administered in three sessions per week for one week.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Back Scratch Test
The Back Scratch Test is a flexibility assessment used to measure the range of motion and flexibility of the upper body, particularly the shoulders. It involves reaching one hand over the shoulder and the other behind the back to see how close the fingers can come to each other, or whether they overlap.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Falls Efficacy Scale International, FES-I
The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) is a validated questionnaire designed to assess fear of falling in older adults. It measures the level of concern individuals have about falling during a range of daily activities, both inside and outside the home. Higher scores indicate greater fear of falling.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a widely used screening tool designed to detect mild cognitive impairment. It assesses various cognitive domains including attention, executive functions, memory, language, visuospatial skills, and orientation. The test provides a total score out of 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Trail Making Test
The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a neuropsychological assessment used to evaluate visual attention, processing speed, and executive function. It consists of two parts: Part A requires connecting numbered dots in sequence, while Part B involves alternating between numbers and letters in order. The time taken to complete each part is recorded, with longer times indicating potential cognitive impairment
Time frame: 2 weeks
Verbal Memory Processes Test
The Verbal Memory Processes Test is a neuropsychological assessment designed to evaluate various aspects of verbal memory, including encoding, storage, and retrieval of verbal information. It typically involves tasks such as recalling word lists, story recall, or recognizing verbal stimuli to assess immediate and delayed memory performance
Time frame: 2 weeks