Effects of the Otago Exercise Program on Physical Function Performance Related to Falls in the Elderly: A...

Background/Objectives: This meta-analysis primarily aimed to evaluate the effects of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) on physical function performance related to the risk of falls in the elderly. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies on OEP interventions related to falls in older adults. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that reported at least one physical function outcome related to fall risk, including the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test (30s-SST), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), or 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Subsequently, a risk of bias assessment, as well as data extraction and synthesis, was performed. Results: Data were synthesized from a total of 13 studies, involving 1278 participants from OEP (n = 660) and control (n = 618) trials. The results suggested that OEP was associated with improvements in TUG (WMD = -1.47; 95%CI: -2.44, -0.51), BBS score (WMD = 4.43; 95%CI: 2.50, 6.36), SPPB scores (WMD = 0.76; 95%CI: 0.43, 1.09), 30s-SST (WMD = 2.68; 95%CI: 0.86, 4.49), FES-I score (WMD = -1.74; 95%CI: -3.15, -0.33). However, no significant effect was observed for the 6MWT. Subgroup analysis suggested that group-based OEP appeared to provide greater improvements in TUG, BBS scores, and 30s-SST, whereas home-based OEP did not show significant effects. In addition, interventions lasting ≥4 months were associated with greater improvements for TUG, BBS scores, and the 30s-SST. Older adults aged ≥75 showed significant improvements in TUG and 30s-SST. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed across several outcomes, and evidence for SPPB, FES-I, and 6MWT was based on a limited number of studies. Conclusions: OEP may improve physical function performance related to fall risk in older adults, such as the TUG, BBS, SPPB, 30s-SST, and FES-I, while no significant effect was observed for the 6MWT. Importantly, the findings support improvements in physical function performance rather than a direct reduction in actual fall incidence. These findings should be interpreted cautiously due to substantial heterogeneity and the limited number of trials for some outcomes. A group-based OEP lasting at least 4 months may provide greater benefits for improving physical function related to fall risk, particularly among adults aged ≥75 years.