Exercise Program for Preventing Falls

(ACTIVE Trial)

Overseen By Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Disqualifiers: Dementia, Neurodegenerative disease, Stroke, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 12 months

328 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a home-based exercise program with behavior change techniques can prevent falls in older adults who live in the community, have mild memory problems, and have fallen in the past year. Participants will either follow an exercise program or attend regular health education sessions. Suitable candidates have experienced a fall in the last year, have memory issues, and live in the Greater Vancouver area. The trial seeks to provide a practical method to reduce falls for those meeting these criteria. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to research that could lead to practical solutions for fall prevention.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this exercise program is safe for older adults?

Research has shown that the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is safe for older adults. Studies have found that these exercises improve balance, movement, and muscle strength. Specially designed for older adults, a physical therapist or exercise specialist teaches the program at home. It has reduced falls by 35% to 40%.

No reports of serious side effects from the OEP exist. The exercises strengthen the legs and improve stability without causing harm, making it a well-accepted choice for those seeking to enhance physical health and reduce the risk of falling. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this exercise program for preventing falls because it combines the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) with personalized health coaching. Unlike traditional balance and strength exercises that might be more generic, this program is tailored to the individual and involves a coach, like a physical therapist or kinesiologist, who visits the participant's home. This personalized, home-based approach aims to make the exercises more effective by integrating behavioral change techniques, potentially improving adherence and outcomes in preventing falls. Additionally, the program's use of interactive education sessions for the control group ensures all participants are engaged, providing a comprehensive approach to fall prevention.

What evidence suggests that this exercise program is effective for preventing falls?

Research has shown that the Otago Exercise Program, which participants in this trial may receive, can greatly reduce falls in older adults. Studies indicate that this program can lower the number of falls by 35-40%, particularly in frail older adults. It improves balance, walking, and leg strength. Participants report feeling less afraid of falling and experiencing a better quality of life. Injuries from falls decreased by 28% after one year of these exercises. This program effectively promotes safety and confidence for older adults. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of British Columbia

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults aged 70-89 in Greater Vancouver who live at home, have had a fall in the last year, show signs of frailty and mild cognitive issues but can walk (with a cane if needed) and safely exercise. They need internet access at home and must be able to consent.

Inclusion Criteria

I can walk on my own, but I may use a cane.

I have fallen without fainting in the last year.

Living in Greater Vancouver

Exclusion Criteria

Self-report engaging in strength training and/or balance training exercises more than 2 times per week in the prior 3 months

Unable to understand, speak, and read English proficiently

I have been diagnosed with dementia or had a stroke.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) combined with health coaching for 12 months

12 months

5 home visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for falls and other outcomes after the treatment phase

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Home-based exercise program with behavioural change techniques

Trial Overview The study tests if a home-based exercise program with health coaching can reduce falls better than just health education. Participants will either receive balance and strength training exercises with behavioral change techniques or attend an education session.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Otago Exercise Program (OEP) Plus Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The OEP+ intervention integrates the OEP with health coaching by a physical therapists or kinesiologist. The OEP is an individualized home-based balance and strength exercise training program delivered by a PT or kinesiologist coach over 5 home visits

Group II: Educational Control Active Control 1 Intervention

All active control participants will be invited to join monthly interactive education sessions via Zoom or in-person.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute

Collaborator

Trials

30

Recruited

5,600+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12172654/

The Otago Exercise Program's effect on fall prevention This study demonstrates that the OEP has significant positive effects on balance, gait, lower limb strength, and mobility in older adults with compromised ...

2. physio-pedia.com physio-pedia.com/Otago_Exercise_Programme

Otago Exercise Programme After one year, injuries due to falls were reduced by 28% in participants performing Otago exercises. The Otago exercise program was most effective at reducing ...

3. ncoa.org ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-program-otago-exercise-program/

Evidence-Based Program: Otago Exercise Program Studies demonstrate that OEP participants experience a 35 - 40% reduction in falls. The program is most effective for frail older adults. It is ...

4. bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-024-02310-3

Efficacy of the Otago-Exercise-Programme to reduce falls in ... The Otago Exercise Programme is an effective intervention for falls prevention. However, there is limited evidence in relation to studies ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034825001932

Efficacy of Otago exercise program on fear of falling and ... The Otago exercise group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in balance, quality of life, reduced fear of falling and fatigue symptoms.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9631473/

The impact of Otago exercise programme on ... Otago exercise programme is beneficial to improve the cognitive function of older adult, enhance their lower limb muscle strength and dynamic and static ...

7. med.unc.edu med.unc.edu/aging/cgwep/courses/otago-exercise-program/

The Otago Exercise Program - CGWEP Otago is a series of 17 strength and balance exercises delivered by a Physical Therapist in the home that reduces falls between 35% and 40% for frail older ...

8. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1522952/full

The Otago Exercise Program's effect on fall prevention The OEP effectively improves balance, gait, and lower limb strength, especially in older adults with compromised health.