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Exercise Interventions for Improving Balance, Strength, and Functional Capacity in Older Adults: A Randomized
Arzu Razak Özdinçler1, Şafak Yiğit2, Gülsena Utku Umut3
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fenerbahçe University, İstanbul, Türkiye.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
|May 31, 2026
Summary
The Large-Amplitude Functional Exercise Program (LAFEP) improved dynamic balance more than the modified Otago Exercise Program in nursing home residents. Both programs enhanced balance and function, but LAFEP showed superior dynamic balance gains.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Age-related decline in strength and balance significantly elevates fall risk among nursing home residents.
- Effective exercise interventions are crucial for mitigating fall risk and maintaining functional independence in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of the modified Otago Exercise Program (mOEP) and the Large-Amplitude Functional Exercise Program (LAFEP) in reducing fall risk.
- To evaluate the impact of mOEP and LAFEP on balance, functional capacity, and lower-extremity strength in elderly individuals residing in nursing homes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 70 nursing home residents (aged ≥ 65) assigned to either mOEP or LAFEP.
- Both groups participated in supervised group exercise sessions three times per week for 12 weeks.
- Primary outcome measures included the functional reach test and timed up-and-go test; secondary measures included the Performanz Balance System, 6-min walk test, and five times sit-to-stand test.
Main Results:
- Both exercise programs resulted in significant within-group improvements in balance and functional outcomes (p < .05).
- The LAFEP group exhibited significantly greater improvements in dynamic balance, as measured by the functional reach test (p = .03).
- While functional mobility improvements were more pronounced in the LAFEP group, between-group differences were not statistically significant for the timed up-and-go and five times sit-to-stand tests.
Conclusions:
- Both the modified Otago Exercise Program and the LAFEP are effective in enhancing balance and functional outcomes for older adults in residential care settings.
- The LAFEP demonstrated superior effectiveness in improving dynamic balance compared to the mOEP.
- The LAFEP, drawing from neurorehabilitation principles, presents a potentially more effective alternative to conventional fall prevention programs for this population.