EFFECT OF OTAGO EXERCISE PROGRAMME(OEP) ON BALANCE AND FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY AMONG ELDER PEOPLE IN RURAL POPULATION

Abstract

Background: Elderly people have common geriatric problems like impaired mobility and impaired balance which leads to falls and their consequences are a major health issue. There is a need of effective fall prevention exercises programs for elderly people to improve balance and functional activities. This study aimed to find Purpose: out the effectiveness of Otago exercise programme to improve balance and functional mobility in elder population. Methods: This study included 60 elderly people with the age between 60-75. The total population were divided into two groups, Group A - Experimental group and Group B - Control group. Each group consists of 20 people. The experimental group received Otago balance exercise programme (OEP) and the control group were allowed to continue their routine activities of daily living. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) were used as an outcome measures to evaluate the balance and functional activities. Pre and post assessments was taken before and after the intervention and analysed with appropriate statistical tools. The mean values of TUG and BBS were improved in the ex Results: perimental group than the control group and it was statistically significant with the p value 0.001 (<0.05). This result infers that there is significant difference exists between the experimental group and control group which implies that TUG score and BBS scores were improved in experimental group than the control group which is statistically significant. The Conclusion: observed results show that the functional capacity and balance were improved in the experimental group exposed to OEP home program. It was concluded that Otago exercise program is effective in improving functional capacity and balance in elderly population.