Effects of Early Sleep After Action Observation Therapy on Balance in Elderly

Effects of Early Sleep After Action Observation Therapy on Balance in Elderly

The study aims at investigating the effects of an early sleep window after Action Observation Therapy (AOT) on balance in elderly. Forty-five healthy-like elderly will be enrolled and randomized into 3 groups (AOT-sleep, AOT-control and Control) performing a 3-week AOT. AOT-sleep and AOT-control will be asked to watch video-clips showing motor contents before sleeping or at least 12 hours before sleeping, respectively, whereas Control will be asked to watch landascape video-clips before sleeping. Participants will be assessed before and after training and at 1 month follow-up for balance outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ability to walk for at least 100 meters with no assistance or aids

Exclusion Criteria:

• Musculoskeletal disorders able to affect balance
• Traumas and/or injuries and/or surgery at the level of the lower limbs, spine in the previous year
• Sleep disorders
• Drugs able to affect sleep
• Dementia or cognitive decline (MCI)
• Psychiatric or neurological disorders