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Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Abstract

Background: Previous studies reported that exergames could improve balance and cognitive function. Also, motor imagery (MI) applied with actual movements cloud increase balance control. If both are combined, balance and cognitive function may increase more.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of exergame training with MI on balance, cognitive function and motor learning in healthy adults.

Methods: Twelve participants were divided into 2 groups, the exergame training (ET, n = 6) and the exergame with MI training (ET + MI, n = 6). Both groups practiced exergame for 20 minutes. Then, the ET + MI group imagined exergame for 10 minutes. Participants were trained 3 days per week for a period of 4 weeks. Balance and cognitive function were assessed before training, after 4 weeks of training, and in the follow up period.

Results: The results showed a significant increase in the Single-Leg Stance Test and trunk position sense found only in the ET + MI group, whereas %performance of static balance was significantly increased in both groups after 4 weeks of training and in the follow up period (P < 0.05). Cognitive functions significantly improved in both groups in the follow up period when compared with before training, except a corsi task in the ET group were greater in the follow up period (P < 0.05)

Conclusion: The ET with MI could facilitate better balance abilities. Interestingly, motor learning could be observed in the retention period in both training programs.

DOI

10.56808/2673-060X.1020

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