Telerehabilitation Based on Otago Exercises for Older Adults

The Effects of Telerehabilitation Program Based on Otago Exercises on Balance, Frailty and Quality of Life in tOlder Adults: A Randomized-Controlled Study

This study is a single-blind, randomized controlled, prospective clinical trial. At least 62 older adults aged 65 and over were included in the study. Evaluations were made twice, before starting the study and after completion. Otago Exercise Program based on telerehabilitation was applied to the intervention group for a total of 21 sessions, 7 days a week for 3 weeks. The control group did not participate in any exercise program during the study period; however, it was reported that they could be included in the Otago Exercise Program at the end of the study.

Sociodemographic data and information about falling were recorded. Edmonton Frail Scale, Modified Fall Efficiency Scale, Five-Dimensional European Quality of Life Scale-5D-3L, Timed Up and Go Test, Four-Step Balance Test and 30 sec Sit to StandTest were applied to all older adults. Evaluations were applied at the beginning and end of the study. A total of 21 sessions of Otago Exercise Program were applied to the intervention group, 30 minutes/session, 7 days/week for 3 weeks. A printed physical activity recommendation brochure prepared for the older adults by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey was distributed to both groups. The older adults in the control group did not participate in any exercise program during the study period.

Inclusion Criteria for Intervention Group:

• Sedentary and sedentary older adults who do not have any neurological, cognitive, or communication problems that may affect assessments, and who volunteer to participate in the study.

Inclusion Criteria for Control Group:

• Not participating in any exercise program during the study, not having any neurological, cognitive and communication problems that may prevent completing the assessments.

Exclusion Criteria for Intervention Group:

• Participants who have communication problems, are younger than 65 years old, have any neurological diagnosis and have orthopedic, mental and communication problems that prevent evaluations, and do not consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria for Control Group:

• Those who do not meet the specified age criteria for the study, fail to complete the assessments, and continue the rehabilitation program.