Efficacy of Traditional Physical Therapy Versus Otago-Based Exercise in Fall Prevention for ALF-Residing Older Adults

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Falls are a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, loss of independence, and significant functional decline in aging populations. Effective interventions aimed at reducing the risk of falls, and preventing associated disability and functional decline, are needed to promote the health and wellness of older adults. Recent literature has found that an Otago-based exercise program (OBEP), which incorporates strengthening, balance, and walking, may not only decrease falls and fall risk among community-dwelling older adults but may also be effective among older adults residing in assisted living facilities (ALFs). The purpose of this study is to expand upon current research by comparing the outcomes of an OBEP and traditional physical therapy (TPT) in decreasing falls and the risk of falls among older adults living in an ALF. The authors hypothesized that traditional physical therapy would reduce fall risk and the number of falls in older adults residing in ALFs more than an OBEP. Methods: This study conducted a 2-group retrospective chart review of 59 older adults living in an ALF from January 2013 to October 2018 who received either TPT (n = 29) or the OBEP (n = 30). Participants were a mean of 87 years old and were classified at risk for falls by the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Primary variables included the number of falls prior to intervention, during intervention, and 1 year following intervention, as well as pre- and posttreatment Tinetti POMA scores. Efficacy was examined using multiple linear regression analysis. Results and Discussion: Both groups achieved reduced falls and increased POMA scores. Group assignment did not significantly predict performance in key outcome measures, namely the number of falls (P = .199) and Tinetti POMA scores (P = .063) following treatment. Conclusions: These findings indicated that both an OBEP and tpt may be effective interventions for reducing falls and fall risk in the ALF setting.

Effects of Otago Exercise Program on postural control ability in elders living in the nursing home: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The fall risk was evaluated by the number of falls in 2 studies that included 130 participants, 65 in the OEP group and 65 in the control group. [20,22] The meta-analysis confirmed that the number of falls decreased significantly in the OEP group compared to the control group (MD = −0.84; 95% CI = −1.17, −0.51; I 2 = 0%; P < 0.00001; Fig. 5).…”

“…We included 9 studies, with a total of 546 participants, including 269 participants allocated to the OEP group and 277 participants allocated to the control group, and only had conventional exercise training. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] The characteristics of the included studies are presented in Table 1.…”

The impact of Otago exercise programme on the prevention of falls in older adult: A systematic review

“…The most important equipment cost is wearable tracker equipment, which is used to measure basic information, and the content of OEP is presented in the form of a video conference ( 27 ). After the balance training and walking exercise program based on family basic OEP, the number of falls and disability risk of older adult in assisted living facilities are reduced ( 40 , 41 ).…”

Effect of Lower Limb Muscle Fatigue on Fall Risk for Transfemoral Amputee: A Pilot Study

“…Exercise therapy is one of the procedures recommended for fall prevention, although by using the telecommunication medium or face to face in the rehab center or at home [ 32 ]. Another research showed that exercise is good for healthy people and patients [ 33 ] and would reduce the fall risk and increase the functional ability associated with disability [ 34 ]. Meanwhile, body composition, the proportion of fat and nonfat mass in the body, plays a significant role in balance and preventing falls [ 35 ].…”