Abstract
Aims:
To determine the effects of the Otago exercise program (OEP) on physical functional capacity and fear of falling.
Methods:
Elderly Korean women aged 75 to 84 years (n = 40) were nonrandomly assigned to the control (n = 12) or exercise (n = 36) group. The exercise group underwent a 6-month group-based OEP.
Results:
The exercise group had significant pre- to postintervention improvements in muscle quality index, walking speed, handgrip strength, 30-second chair stand test, 8-ft Timed Up and Go test, and short physical performance battery in conjunction with reduced fear of falling compared with the control group.
Conclusion:
The OEP is an effective fall prevention tool for elderly Korean women who are afraid of falling.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Subject
Geriatrics and Gerontology,Rehabilitation,Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation