Acute Effects of Motor Imagery and Action Observation in the Elderly: Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Elderly (People Aged 65 or More)

• Registration Number: NCT07016061
• Lead Sponsor: Dokuz Eylul University

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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 Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-03
• Study First Posted: 2025-06-11
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-11
• Study Start: 2025-06-15
• Primary Completion: 2025-07-15
• Study Completion: 2025-08-20

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 50

Inclusion Criteria

• Being aged 65 years or older, Female gender, Literate in Turkish, Scoring 21 or above on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Version 7.1, No health conditions that would prevent participation in exercise

Exclusion Criteria

• Presence of serious health problems that would prevent participation in the study (e.g., trauma, cancer, surgery, severe cardiac or musculoskeletal disorders)

Participation in other intervention trials or observational studies during the intervention period, or initiation of a physical exercise program within 2 weeks following the intervention period

Any medical condition or chronic medication use that may jeopardize safety or affect cognitive functions (e.g., neuroleptics)

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test	2 weeks	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.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Functional Reach Test (FRT)	2 weeks	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.
10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)	2 weeks	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.
Computerized Serial Reaction Time Test (SRTT)	2 weeks	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
Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST)	2 weeks	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
Back Scratch Test	2 weeks	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.
Falls Efficacy Scale International, FES-I	2 weeks	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.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)	2 weeks	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.
Trail Making Test	2 weeks	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
Verbal Memory Processes Test	2 weeks	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

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Dokuz Eylül University; 🇹🇷 İzmir, Turkey