The effects of the Otago Exercise Programme on actual and perceived balance in older adults: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective Falls are serious issues in older populations. Balance problems are a major cause of falls and may lead to fear of falling and decreased balance confidence. The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) is an effective fall prevention program that benefits balance function and fear of falling. The primary aim of the meta-analysis was to investigate the effectiveness of the OEP intervention on actual balance performance (i.e., static, dynamic, proactive or reactive balance) and perceived balance ability (i.e., balance confidence or fear of falling) for older adults; the secondary aim was to examine which OEP protocol most improves balance in older adults. Methods A systematic electronic review search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of the OEP on actual balance performance and perceived balance ability in healthy older adults, and examining which OEP training protocol and intervention format most improves balance. Results A total of 12 RCTs were included in the analyses. The OEP exerted significant effects on static balance (Hedges’s g = 0.388; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.131 to 0.645), dynamic balance (g = -0.228; 95% CI = -0.352 to -0.1.4), proactive balance (g = 0.239; 95% CI = 0.061 to 0.416) and perceived balance (g = -0.184; 95% CI = -0.320 to -0.048) in older adults. Subgroup analysis indicated that the group format for the OEP was more effective for improving static (p = 0.008), dynamic (p = 0.004) and perceived balance (p = 0.004) than was the individual format. Sessions of >30 minutes were more effective in improving static (p = 0.007) and perceived balance (p = 0.014) than were sessions of ≤30 minutes. However, the effects of the OEP on balance were unrelated to the types of control group, training frequency and training period. Discussion The OEP is helpful for improving actual balance including static, dynamic, and proactive balance; enhancing confidence in balance control; and reducing fear of falling in older adults. In particular, administrating the OEP in a group setting in >30-minute sessions may be the most appropriate and effective exercise protocol for improving balance.

The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Fall Risk Factors in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review

“…However, based on the currently available evidence regarding HIIT, it cannot be recommended as a single modality for fall prevention strategies in individual seniors living in the community. However, HIIT may be considered as a supplement to proven fall prevention programs such as the Otago exercise program [79] because of the potential of HIIT to improve functional lower limb strength reflected in functional performance tests (such as the sit-to-stand test). HIIT also has the potential to improve dynamic balance (TUG test performance) and subjective balance perception.…”

Effect of a multicomponent exercise program and cognitive stimulation (VIVIFRAIL-COGN) on falls in frail community older persons with high risk of falls: study protocol for a randomized multicenter control trial

“…It consists of several strength, endurance, flexibility and balance exercises supervised by a physical therapist. It has shown to be effective in improving fall-related risk factors [ 58 – 60 ] and preventing falls [ 61 , 62 ] and related consequences [ 63 , 64 ]. Notably, several adaptations have been performed since it was firstly designed, leading to a high degree of heterogeneity, with mixed results obtained from different delivery fashions [ 65 – 67 ].…”

Effects of Otago Exercise Program on serum Interleukin-6 level in older women

“…Five types of strengthening exercises, 12 types of balance exercises, and a walking program are included in the OEP. Exercise types are based on the OEP protocol [ 21 ]. Based on the subject's capabilities during the exercise, the number of repetitions, the weight of the load on the ankles, and the level of balance training are gradually increased.…”