This study examined the effects oj mental practice on improving walking balance in an elderly population. Walking balance was defined as walking in an upright position without the elicitation ojequilibrium reactions. The subjects were videotaped traversing an activity course, and trained observers measured equilibrium reactions (the number ojupperextremity reactions elicited) andJootplacement for each subject. Twenty-three female subjects between the ages oj 67 and 90 years were randomly assigned to one oj two groups. The experimental group mentally practiced traversing the activity course with the aid oj a 6-minute audiotape. The control group participated in sedentary activities oj equal duration. Both groups metJor eight sessions. Independent and correlated t tests indicated no significant difference in walking balance between thegroups (p < .05). However, there wasa significant difference in equilibrium reactions when subjects carried objects as opposed to walking with their hands free (p < .05). The results and implications oj this study are discussed in terms of their significance to occupational therapy practice and research.
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