A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Programme on Fall Prevention Among Elderly in Anandhapuram Village, Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Falls are a major cause of injury, disability, and reduced quality of life in the elderly population worldwide. The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) is an evidence‑based intervention incorporating strength and balance exercises designed to reduce fall risk in older adults.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of the OEP on fall prevention among elderly individuals in Anandhapuram village, Puducherry.

Methodology: A community‑based, two‑group experimental study was conducted among 30 elderly participants aged ≥65 years. Participants were randomly allocated into an experimental group (n = 15), which received the OEP, and a control group (n = 15), which performed general mobility and balance exercises. The intervention was delivered twice weekly for six weeks, each session lasting approximately one hour. Balance and functional mobility were assessed pre‑ and post‑intervention using the BOOMER Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Step Test, and Single‑Stance Eyes Closed (SSEC). Data were analysed using paired and independent t‑tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Pre‑test analysis showed no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). Post‑test results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group for all outcome measures — BOOMER Balance Scale (t = 8.4, p < 0.0001), FRT (t = 5.9, p < 0.0001), Step Test (t = 1.4, p < 0.0001), and SSEC (t = 5.5, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The OEP significantly improved balance and functional performance in elderly individuals over six weeks and can be recommended as an effective community‑based fall‑prevention strategy in rural and resource‑limited settings. Further studies with larger samples and long‑term follow‑up are warranted to assess sustainability of benefits.