The Effect of Trunk and Upper Extremity Exercises Added to the Otago Exercise Program

Launched by MUĞLA SITKI KOÇMAN UNIVERSITY · Feb 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking to understand how adding special exercises for the trunk and upper body affects balance and the risk of falling in older adults. The study will include 36 participants aged 65 and older who have experienced falls in the past year. They will be divided into three groups: one group will do a standard exercise program called the Otago exercise program, while the other two groups will do the same program but with extra trunk and upper body exercises. One of these groups will use traditional methods for these exercises, and the other will use mobile games to make it more fun. The researchers will assess participants’ balance, fear of falling, and ability to perform daily activities before and after the 8-week program.

To join the study, participants need to be able to speak and understand Turkish, have a BMI below 35, and be able to walk independently. They also need to have internet access at home for some sessions. Throughout the study, participants will receive personalized attention from the researchers, including home visits to guide them through the exercises. This trial aims to find effective ways to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, which is important for maintaining independence in older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • To be aged 65 years and older.
• • To have the ability to speak, read, comprehend, and write in Turkish.
• • To have a body mass index \<35 kg/m2 (not being severely or morbidly obese).
• • To have experienced one or more falls within the past 1 year.
• • To possess cognitive abilities enabling the understanding and implementation of the educational sessions to be conducted in the study (having scored ≥ 24 points on the Mini-Mental State Examination).
• • To be able to perform daily activities independently (scoring 5-6 points on the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale).
• • To demonstrate a reach performance of ≥ 16 centimeters in the Functional Reach Test.
• • To be able to walk independently (regardless of the use of walking aids).
• • To have internet connectivity at home.
• • To permit the implementation of exercise protocols under the supervision of the researcher in the home environment.
• • To allow for periodic home visits by the researcher for the implementation of exercise protocols.
• • To agree to have a physically suitable area in the home for exercise protocols or to make necessary arrangements to render the home environment suitable for exercise.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • To have absolute contraindications for strength and aerobic exercises.
• • To have chronic pain in the lower body and extremities.
• • To have a disorder related to the vestibular system.
• • To engage in regular exercise that may affect performance outcomes.
• • To decline participation in the study.