Combined Motor Observation and Motor Imagery for a Patient with a Proximal Tibial Fracture with an Acute Fear of Falling: A Case Report

Abstract

[Purpose] This report provides an example of a combined intervention using action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) for a patient with a proximal tibial fracture who had an acute fear of falling. [Participant and Methods] A woman in her 80s had a fear of falling, high pain, and decreased ability of gait and physical activity after a fall. The intervention consisted of AO and MI in addition to a conventional physical therapy program from the period of complete non-weight bearing to full weight bearing. [Results] Fear of falling and pain improved, and gait ability improved. [Conclusion] The results suggest that a combined intervention of AO and MI in addition to a conventional physical therapy program should be practiced in cases of proximal tibial fractures.