Additional Effects of Strength Training With Otago Exercises on Actual and Perceived Balance in Older Adults

Summary

This study, titled "Additional Effects of Strength Training with Otago Exercises on Actual and Perceived Balance in Older Adults", explores strategies to reduce fall risks in the elderly. Falls are a major health concern, often causing injuries, loss of mobility, and reduced quality of life. The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) has been proven effective in improving lower-limb strength and balance, but it primarily focuses on these areas without addressing overall muscle strengthening.

The research aims to assess whether integrating additional strength training with OEP can enhance both actual balance (measured through static and dynamic stability tests) and perceived balance (confidence in avoiding falls). Using a randomized controlled trial, 34 participants aged 60 and above will be recruited and divided into two groups: one receiving OEP alone, and the other combining OEP with structured strength training. Tools such as the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Fall Efficacy Scale, and CONFbal Scale will measure outcomes.

The intervention will last eight weeks, with progressive resistance and balance tasks. Findings are expected to demonstrate improved mobility, reduced fear of falling, and greater confidence among participants receiving combined training. This research addresses a significant gap in geriatric rehabilitation and aims to inform cost-effective, evidence-based strategies for fall prevention, ultimately enhancing independence and quality of life in older adults.

Conditions

• Aged
• Postural Balance
• Exercise Therapy
• Muscle Strength
• Resistance Training
• Fall Prevention

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Otago Exercise with Strengthening exercise

The experimental group participated in an 8-week training program, conducted three times per week with 30-45-minute sessions. Each session began with a 5-10 minute warm-up, including dynamic stretching, marching in place, and joint mobility exercises. The program included progressive strength and balance training, starting with light or no resistance and gradually increasing to moderate-high intensity (45-75% of 1RM). Exercises included seated leg extensions, standing leg curls, sit-to-stand, heel raises, step-ups, wall push-ups, and functional movements such as sideways walking, backward walking, and obstacle walking. Balance training involved static and dynamic tasks, including tandem stance, single-leg stance, functional reach, and dynamic walking with turns. Exercise intensity and complexity progressed throughout the program while maintaining safe rest intervals. Each session concluded with a 5-10 minute cool-down, consisting of lower-limb stretching (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves

PROCEDURE

Otago Exercise Program

The training program was conducted three times a week, with 30-45-minute sessions. Each session began with a 5-7 minute warm-up (marching in place, ankle circles, shoulder rolls). During Weeks 1-2, participants performed sit-to-stand, heel raises, and seated knee extensions (2 × 10), along with sideways walking (5 m, 2-3 reps) and static balance progressing from feet together to tandem stance. In Weeks 3-4, difficulty increased with sit-to-stand (3 × 10), heel-to-toe walking (5 m), backward walking (3-5 m), single-leg stance (10-15 s), and step-ups (2 × 10). During Weeks 5-6, exercises included wall push-ups, heel raises on a step, dynamic walking with 180° turns, functional reach, and eyes-closed balance tasks. In Weeks 7-8, advanced balance tasks were added, including weighted sit-to-stand, single-leg stance with arm movements, obstacle walking, higher step-ups, and dynamic tandem walking. Each session ended with a 5-7 minute cool-down of lower-limb stretching and breathing exercises

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Foundation University Islamabad

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-09-13

Primary Completion

2025-12-10

Completion

2025-12-10

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations