Effectiveness of a Program to Improve Balance, Mobility, and Fall Prevention in Older Adults.

Effectiveness of a Program to Improve Balance, Mobility, and Fall Prevention in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Program in adults aged 65 and older. It compares supervised group-based training with an unsupervised home-based version of the same program. The primary aim is to assess changes in Timed Up and Go performance and gait speed before and after the intervention.

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) as a fall-prevention intervention in adults aged 65 years and older. The OEP is a structured, evidence-based program that includes strength, balance, and functional training exercises designed to reduce fall risk in older adults.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will complete the Otago program in supervised group sessions led by a physiotherapist. The control group will perform the same Otago exercises individually at home without supervision, following standard instructions for independent implementation.

The primary objective of the study is to compare the effect of the supervised group-based program versus the unsupervised home-based program on functional mobility and gait performance. Primary outcomes include changes in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and gait speed measured before and after the intervention period.

This trial aims to determine whether supervised group training provides additional benefits over independent home-based execution of the Otago program in improving mobility and reducing fall risk among community-dwelling older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 65 years or older.
• Community-dwelling individuals able to ambulate independently (with or without assistive devices).
• Ability to understand instructions and follow the exercise program.
• Able to attend assessment sessions at baseline and post-intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe cognitive impairment that limits ability to follow instructions.
• Medical conditions contraindicating exercise (e.g., unstable cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension).
• Recent lower-limb fracture or surgery within the last 6 months.
• Neurological conditions significantly affecting gait or balance (e.g., advanced Parkinson's disease, recent stroke).
• Participation in another structured exercise or fall-prevention program during the study period.