Attentional Focus Instructions and Conscious Movement Processing in Older Adults

The Effects of Attentional Focus Instructions on Real-time Conscious Movement Processing While Walking in a Challenging Environment for Older Adults at Risk of Falling in Hong Kong: Implications for Rehabilitation

This study aims to provide a novel scientific contribution through addressing critical knowledge gaps, examining the effects of attentional focus instructions on real-time (state) conscious movement processing propensity, gait parameters, and muscle efficiency in older adults in Hong Kong at risk of falling while walking in a challenging environment. The study results could update our scientific understanding of the mechanisms of conscious movement processing and the interventional effects of attentional focus instructions in older adults. It could ultimately enhance the methodology used for developing the most appropriate psychomotor gait re-education intervention in rehabilitation and provide clear guidelines on the exact attentional focus training that older adults require. Further, it could mitigate the effect of conscious movement processing and risk of falling in older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 65 or above;
• able to walk independently indoor for at least 20 metres without a walking aid.

Exclusion Criteria:

• a total score of less than 24 on the MMSE-C (Chiu et al., 1994; Folstein et al., 1975);
• the presence of any untreated cerebral vascular disease, Parkinson's disease, or any other major neurological deficit;
• the presence of an unstable medical condition affecting safety while walking ;
• a history of a major fall incident within the last year;
• a static visual acuity poorer than 20/40 vision (assessed using the Tumbling E eye chart).