Otago Exercise Program And Gaze Stability Exercise In Older Adults

Comparison of Effects of Otago Exercise Program vs. Gaze Stability Exercise on Balance and Fear of Fall in Older Adults

Fall occurrences and the associated risk of injury are debilitating and major health concerns in the older population. Several interventions have been investigated and implemented to address the needs of balance impairments and to reduce the increased risk of falls. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the Otago exercise program (OEP) and gaze stability exercises (GSE) on balance and the risk of falls in older adults residing at an old age home facility. 30 elderly participants were equally and randomly divided into two groups: Group OEP received the OEP and group GSE received GSE for eight weeks (thrice a week). In addition, both groups also performed core muscle-strengthening exercises. The Berg balance scale (BBS) and the Fall efficacy scale-International (FES-I) were the outcome measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants were independent in ambulation
• They were performing activities of daily living independently
• They had impaired balance having Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score between 35-45
• They had dynamic Gait Index score between 11-19
• They had mini-mental status exam scores > 22

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe vision or hearing impairment,
• neurological disorders including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, vertigo, Parkinson's disease, etc.,
• muscular disorders which limit functional activity (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc.),
• taking medications that affect balance,
• severe cardiovascular conditions,
• recent Lower limb injury or Surgery,
• obesity