Background: Balance dysfunction seems to be a common complaint in the elderly making them vulnerable to increased risk of fall. The Otago exercise program (OEP) consists of strength training, exercises to improve balance and cardiovascular function. Fall prevention programs in the elderly are of recent growing research interest; however, limited studies have been done on interventions aiming at enhancing activities of daily living (ADL). The aim of this study was to see the efficacy of OEP in enhancing ADL performance and improving balance in the geriatric population.
Aims and Objectives: To study the effect of OEP on ADL, balance, and fall risk in the elderly.
Materials and Methods: A sample of 100 subjects was recruited from Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Lalitha-Home for the Aged, Raichur. Balance was assessed with the Berg balance scale, strength was assessed using 30 s sit-to-stand, confidence in ADL performances was evaluated by the activities-specific balance confidence scale, and fall risk assessed by the 7-item Falls Efficacy Scale International. The subjects practiced warm-up, strengthening, and balance exercises of the program thrice a week for 3 months with alternate periods of walking.
Results: Statistical analysis showed significant improvements in balance, strength, ADL performances, and reduction of fall risks.
Conclusion: The study concludes that OEP improved both static and dynamic balance with enhanced participation in ADL performances and also aids in the decrement of fall risks in the elderly.
Key words: Aging; Balance; Activities of Daily Living; Fall and Fall risks; Otago Exercise Program
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