Ab. No. 73 Effect of Otago Exercise Program Via Tele Rehabilitation on Fall Risk and Balance in Older People

Abstract

Introduction: To find the effect of Otago exercise program via telerehabilitation on fall risk and balance in older people. Older people’s falls and fall-related injuries have grown to be major health issue. Otago Exercise Program (OEP) consists of 17 strength and balance exercises and walking program at home, outpatient or community setting that is effective in preventing falls. Telerehabilitation is newer technique of delivery of rehabilitation services over telecommunication networks. Methods: 44 gender-matched participants aged 65-80 (71 + 4.3) years were divided into two groups using simple random sampling. People unwilling to participate were excluded. Ethics approval was obtained. A prospective follow-up study was carried out in community of Ahmedabad. Participants were explained the study. Fall risk was measured using Timed Up and Go(TUG) test and balance was measured using Berg Balance Scale(BBS). Group A (n=22) was given telerehabilitation-based OEP via zoom calls and Group B (n=22) was given unsupervised OEP at home. A total of 12 sessions (3 sessions/week) of OEP and (2 times/week) walking for 4 weeks was administered. Within group analysis for TUG was done using Paired samples T-test and for BBS using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Between group analysis was carried out using Mann-Whitney U test. Level of significance was kept at 5%. Results: Within group analysis showed statistically significant difference in group A TUG (t=14.96, p<0.0001), BBS (Z=-4.135, p<0.0001), in group B TUG (t=3.375, p=0.003), BBS(Z=-3.71, p<0.0001). Between group analysis showed statistically significant difference in BBS (U=34.5, p<0.0001) but not in TUG (U=191.5, p=0.211). Conclusion: Otago Exercise program is effective via telerehabilitation and as home-based program to improve balance and reduce fall risk. Tele-rehabilitation group was more effective in improving balance. Implications: Tele-rehabilitation can be used for older people by providing convenient, one-to-one, accessible healthcare services at home reducing travel.