Publication Date: 2024
Iranian Journal of Ageing (1735806X)19(3)pp. 438-451
Objectives Most falls in the elderly occur due to physical and cognitive risk factors. This study aims to compare the effect of two types of mind-body exercises, yoga and square-stepping exercise (SSE), on memory, balance, and fear of falling in older women. Methods & Materials A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 20 elderly women with an age range of 60 to 70 years. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to yoga and Square-Stepping groups. Both groups did exercise for 12 weeks and participated in a pre-test and post-test. The Wechsler memory test, stork test, berg balance test, and international falls efficacy scale were used to measure memory quotient, static balance, dynamic balance, and fear of falling, respectively. Analysis of variance with repeated measures was conducted to analyze the data Results The mean scores of memory quotient in the two groups after exercises were significantly higher than before exercises (F(1, 18)=32.692, P<0.001, η2=0.645). The mean static balance time in the yoga group was significantly higher than in the SSE group (F(1, 18)=60.755, P<0.001, η2=0.771). Furthermore, the mean dynamic balance score in the SSE group was significantly higher than in the yoga group (F(1, 18)=7.714, P=0.012, η2=0.300). In addition, the mean square of fear of falling in the SSE group was significantly lower than in the yoga group (F(1, 18)=11.777, P=0.003, η2=0.396). Conclusion It seems that square stepping exercises can also be used as a simple exercise program to improve physical and cognitive functions in older women. © 2024 The Author(s);
Publication Date: 2024
Journals of Gerontology - Series B Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences (10795014)79(1)
Objectives: According to the Optimizing Performance Through Intrinsic Motivation and Attention for Learning (OPTIMAL) theory of Wulf and Lewthwaite, enhanced expectancies (EE), autonomy support (AS), and an external focus (EF) of attention facilitate motor performance and learning. The present study examined whether consecutive implementation of EE, AS, and EF during practice would enhance the learning of a square-stepping task in older adults. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to optimized and control groups. After the pretest, 1 of the 3 factors was implemented during each of the three 12-trial practice blocks, in a counterbalanced order, in the optimized group: positive feedback (EE), choice of mat color (AS), and instructions to focus on the squares (EF). Control group participants practiced without any of these factors. Results: Results indicated that the optimized group had faster movement times than the control group during the practice phase and on 24-hr retention and transfer tests. Discussion: The key variables in the OPTIMAL theory can be applied sequentially in order to facilitate motor performance and learning in older adults. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2022
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (15733432)52(5)pp. 2180-2186
This quasi-experimental study investigated effects of Tai Chi Chuan training on stereotypic behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder. Twenty-three participants (mean age = 9.60 ± 1.40 years) were assigned to experimental (N = 12) and control (N = 11) groups. The experimental group received 12 weeks of Tai Chi training and all participants had pre, post, and one-month follow-up assessments. Stereotypic behavior measured using Gilliam Autism Rating Scale 2 Scores, was significantly altered by ~ 25% in the Tai Chi Chuan group. Behavioral change was maintained at follow up since there was no significant difference between that and the posttest. In conclusion, Tai Chi Chuan training is a useful and appropriate intervention to modulate behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
