The study aims to assess the effect on functional balance of Otago exercise performed as home exercise versus group exercise. The investigators hypothesize that Otago exercise is more effective performed as group exercise than home exercise.
The study sample is drawn from persons referred to a falls outpatient clinic. Group exercise and home exercise are delivered by trained physiotherapists. Home exercise follows the original Otago exercise protocol. Group exercise is performed twice a week. The length of the intervention period is 3 months. The main outcome measure is the Berg Balance Scale.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
125
Otago exercise performed in groups of 4-8 patients, 2 times a week over 12 weeks
Otago exercise performed as home exercise 3 times a weeks over 12 weeks. Individually tailored physical balance and muscle strength exercise
Vestfold hospital
Tønsberg, Vestfold, Norway
Functional Balance by use of the Berg Balance Scale
Time frame: 3 months
Fear of falling by the Fall Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), 7 item version
Time frame: 3 and 6 months
Mobility by the Timed Get up-and-go
Time frame: 3 and 6 months
Functional leg muscle strength by a Sit-to-stand test
Number of raise-up trials in 30 sec, picked from the Senior Fitness test
Time frame: 3 and 6 months
Health related quality of life by the Short Formular 36 (SF-36)
Time frame: 3 and 6 months
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