Effect of the Otago Programme Delivered as Home Exercise or Group Exercise

A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect of Otago Exercise Delivered as Home Exercise or Group Exercise in Fall-prone Older Persons

The study aims to assess the effect on functional balance of Otago exercise performed as home exercise versus group exercise. The investigators hypothesize that Otago exercise is more effective performed as group exercise than home exercise.

The study sample is drawn from persons referred to a falls outpatient clinic. Group exercise and home exercise are delivered by trained physiotherapists. Home exercise follows the original Otago exercise protocol. Group exercise is performed twice a week. The length of the intervention period is 3 months. The main outcome measure is the Berg Balance Scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• referred to an outpatient falls clinic
• have fallen previous year or have gait or balance problems

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) < 22
• Not able to walk 10 m without support from another person