Can the Otago falls prevention program be delivered by video? A feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Falls are a major concern for older adults, leading to injury and reduced independence.
• The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) is a proven fall prevention intervention.
• Delivering OEP via interactive DVD (OEP-DVD) with remote support may enhance accessibility for community-dwelling seniors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of delivering the OEP using an interactive DVD combined with monthly physical therapist phone calls to older adults.
• To evaluate the impact of the OEP-DVD intervention on falls risk and mobility in community-dwelling older adults.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post study design with an intervention group (n=61) receiving OEP-DVD and monthly calls, and a control group (n=21).
• Participants were community-dwelling adults aged 75 years and older.
• Feasibility was measured by withdrawal rates and adherence to the OEP-DVD and exercise protocols. Falls risk was assessed using the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA).

Main Results:

• A low withdrawal rate (2/61) was observed in the intervention group.
• High compliance rates were reported for OEP-DVD (87%) and walking (166%).
• The OEP-DVD group showed a significant improvement in the overall PPA score compared to the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• The OEP-DVD intervention significantly reduced falls risk in older adults.
• Despite positive outcomes, a notable loss to follow-up limited the overall feasibility of this home-based delivery model.
• Further research is needed to optimize delivery methods for sustained engagement and feasibility.