Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: May | Volume: 10 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 150-156
Effect of Single Session of Motor Imagery on Motor Learning of Locomotion in Male and Female Older Adults: A Comparative Study
Singh Pragya1, Yadav Megha2, Chauhan Neha2, Zafar Shahiduz3
1Student, 2Assistant Professor, 3Associate Professor,
Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, U.P
Corresponding Author: Singh Pragya
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Motor imagery elicits activity in brain regions that are normally activated during actual task performance. The motor imagery, also known as “Mental practice” is the imagining of an action without it’s physical execution. Purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of a single session of locomotor based motor imagery training on physical performances and motor learning of locomotion among male and female older adults aged > 64 years.
Methodology : Sixty older adults aged > 64 years were included in this study. Both male and female were equally distributed in two group on the basis of inclusion criteria. The participants were randomly assigned to both the group following base line locomotor testing which determined their activity for motor imagery training session. The participants in both groups completed 20 imagined repetitions of locomotor task. Imagined performances times were measured for each training repetition. Timed up–and–go and the time to complete obstacle course was measured before and after the single training session.
Results : The mean average age in male is greater than female. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between male and female groups at base line in any outcome measure. After motor imagery training of locomotor task there was a significant difference between both groups. Male older adults in comparison to female older adults had a better learning of locomotor skill through Motor Imagery Technique.
Conclusion: During a single session of Motor Imagery Technique, the effect of motor Imagery has a better learning of locomotor skill in males in comparison to females.
Key words: Locomotor skill, Mental Practice, Older Adults, Motor Imagery.