Date of Award
12-1987
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Dr. Doris A. Smith
Second Advisor
Dr. Mary Ann Bush
Third Advisor
Dr. Molly Vass
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The effect of mental practice on improving walking balance in an elderly population was studied. Walking balance was measured by the number of upper extremity equilibrium reactions elicited and placement of feet observed as subjects traversed an activity course. Twenty-three female subjects between the ages of 67-90 were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group mentally practiced traversing the activity course with the aid of a six minute audio tape. 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 groups at p < .05. There was a significant difference in equilibrium reactions when subjects carried objects as opposed to walking with their hands free at p < .05. The results and implications are discussed in terms of their significance to occupational therapy practice and research.
Recommended Citation
Linden, Cheryl A., "Mental Practice: Its Effects on Walking Balance in an Elderly Population" (1987). Masters Theses. 1256.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1256