Effect of Mental Imagery Technique on Balance in Postmenopausal Women with Postural Disturbance:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Decreased blood estrogen after menopause causes decreased the sensitivity of higher centers because of impaired postural control in postmenopausal women which can increase the risk of fall. Objective: To find the effect of mental imagery technique on balance in postmenopausal women with postural disturbance. Method/Design: 32 PMW who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Subjects were allocated in two groups of 16 each into an experimental and control group. Berg balance scale and Balance error scoring system were taken before the start of the intervention and at the end of four weeks. According to the allocated group, BT was given to Group A and BT + MI to Group B thrice a week for four weeks. Results: There was a significant improvement in Group B in BESS, with p-value <0.01. Comparison between the group indicates the individuals treated with a combination of BT with MI technique significantly improved better than those individual treated with BT alone. Comparison of the mean difference of BBS score between the two groups A and B was not statistically significant. Conclusion: On comparing the mean difference of BEES it can be concluded that MT along with conventional BT is beneficial for postmenopausal women with postural disturbance when compared to conventional balance training alone.