Content and Perceived Utility of Mental Imagery by Older Adults in a Peer-Delivered Physical Activity Intervention

P. R. Giacobbi, Jr.,¹ M. P. Buman,² J. Dzierzewski,³ A. T. Aiken-Morgan,⁴ B. Roberts,⁵ M. Marsiske,⁶ N. Knutson,⁷ and C Smith-McCrae⁸

Keywords of interest to Occupational Therapists ADL activities of daily living

Abstract

Imagery interventions intended to increase exercise behavior are rare. The Active Adult Mentoring Program (AAMP) was a randomized controlled trial with imagery content. The purposes of this study were to examine the content and perceived utility of mental imagery with 24 AAMP participants (M_age = 65.00, SD = 8.79 years). Digital recordings of AAMP sessions and post-intervention interviews were content-analyzed. Emergent themes included images of the physical activity context and negative impressions about imagery. Post-intervention interviews revealed that 13 participants reported positive experiences using mental imagery while 9 would not engage in further use. Important implications are discussed.

Mental imagery is an emerging self-management tool with potential to enhance physical activity behavior. Theoretical and empirical advances suggest that mental imagery may be used to increase the frequency and intensity of physical activity for individuals across the age span (Duncan, Hall, Wilson, & Rodgers, 2012; Gammage, Hall, & Rodgers, 2000; Giacobbi, Tuccitto, Buman, & Munroe-Chandler, 2010; Hausenblas, Hall, Rodgers, & Munroe-Chandler, 1999). Exercise imagery research has revealed that regular exercisers use mental imagery more often than non-exercisers and imagery content is generally focused on appearance/health and fitness outcomes, exercise technique and routines, and the feelings or energy associated with exercise (Giacobbi, 2007; Giacobbi, Hausenblas, Fallon, & Hall, 2003; Hausenblas et al., 1999; Kim & Giacobbi, 2009). While most research in this field involves targeted, planned, and structured bodily movements, which are characteristic of exercise behavior (Casperson, Powell, & Christenson, 1985), implications exist for all forms of physical ACTIVITY INCLUDING ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING.[…Continue reading the entire study by clicking here…]

IIn reference to the last statement transcribed above “…activity including activities of daily living…” this study should be held in high regard by Italian Occupational Therapists.

The research on the data in the literature was carried out by Dr. Alessandra Palieri, Occupational Therapist