Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Integrating Core Stability into the Otago Program for Fall Prevention in Older Women: A Quasi-Experimental
Shiva Zarei1, Hooman Minoonejad1, Seyed Hamed Mousavi1
1Department of Sports Injury and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
With the global elderly population growing, falls are a significant cause of injury-related harm and death, leading to physical, psychological, and economic burdens. Key modifiable risks include poor balance, leg weakness, and fear of falling. While the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) reduces fall risk and core training improves stability, their combined effect is understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a modified OEP, incorporating core stability exercises, on fall risk, balance (static and dynamic), lower limb strength, and fear of falling in older women.
Methods:
This quasi-experimental comparative study involved 30 community-dwelling women aged 65 to 80 years, assigned to 3 groups (n = 10 each): modified OEP (OEP + core training), original OEP, and control. The 8-week intervention included thrice-weekly sessions. Outcome measures included the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for fall risk, the 4-Stage Balance Test for balance, the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand test for lower limb strength, and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) for fear of falling. Statistical analysis involved analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α = 0.05).
Results:
After intervention, significant between-group differences were found across all outcome variables. The modified OEP group showed the most important improvements in fall risk (F(2,26) = 25.7; P < 0.001; η² = 0.497), dynamic and static balance (F = 10.6; P = 0.003; η² = 0.291), lower limb strength (F = 22; P < 0.001; η² = 0.459), and fear of falling (F = 101.4; P < 0.001; η² = 0.796). Bonferroni post hoc tests confirmed that the modified OEP group significantly outperformed both the original OEP and control groups in all measures (P < 0.05), and the original OEP group also showed significant improvements over the control.
Conclusion:
Integrating core stability exercises into the OEP enhances its effectiveness, significantly improving fall risk, balance, lower limb strength, and fear of falling in older women. These findings support the use of integrated exercise programs in fall prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:24Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
01:26Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:22Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management