Abstract
Contemporary research findings indicate that in older persons (typically 64 > years) there are functional decrements in the ability to mentally represent and effectively plan motor actions. Actions, if poorly planned, can result in falling, a major health concern for the elderly. Whereas a number of factors may contribute to falls, over- or underestimation of reach abilities may lead to loss of postural control (balance) and pose a higher risk of falling. Our intent with this paper was to provide: (1) a brief background of the problem, (2) suggest strategies for mental (motor) imagery practice in the context of reach planning, and (3) describe general guidelines and a sample practice format of a training program for clinical use. Mental (motor) imagery practice of reach planning has potential for improving motor performance in reach-related everyday activities and reducing the risk of falls in older persons.
Highlights
A recent report suggests that every 17 s an older adult is treated for fall-related injuries, and in the 30 min, an older adult will die from fall-related injuries [1]
A process frequently mentioned in parallel with mental representation is mental imagery
In a more recent review of this body of research pertaining to individuals 55 years and older, Saimpont and colleagues [20] concluded that motor imagery accuracy for simple/familiar upper-limb movements appears well preserved with aging, whereas there appears to be an aging effect with upper-limb actions with unusual biomechanical constraints
Summary
A recent report suggests that every 17 s an older adult is treated for fall-related injuries, and in the 30 min, an older adult will die from fall-related injuries [1]. While the cause of falling is complex (e.g., disease, medications, visual impairment, balance, environmental factors), recent findings suggest that one of the underlying problems with older adults is difficulty in mentally representing and planning intended actions [3,4,5]. Reported that overestimation of action capabilities in the context of reaching was a common observation among older adults Both studies and a recent review by Gabbard [8] noted how overestimation of actions could be a contributing factor in fall risk, especially among the elderly. The purpose of this brief communition is to highlight the link between one’s reach planning and risk of falling and provide suggests for intervention with populations at risk
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