Otago Exercise Program for Falling

Overseen By Patima Silsupadol, PT, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Binghamton University

Disqualifiers: Lower limb amputation, visual impairment, uncontrolled hypertension, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 18

Duration: 8 weeks

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The long-term goal of this project is to effectively bridge the research-clinic-community gap and to foster partnerships that support the implementation, utilization, and advocacy of evidence-based fall prevention programs in the older adult community. The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is an evidence-based fall prevention program that has been shown to reduce falls and fall-related injuries among older adults. Traditionally, OEP is delivered in the home by a physical therapist and focuses on muscle strengthening and balance training. Despite its proven effectiveness, adherence and compliance rates have been low. The personnel and resource demands of program delivery, along with challenges in monitoring participant adherence, represent significant barriers to broader implementation. Alternative delivery systems using remote and community-based platforms may help address these limitations.

Specific Aim 1: To compare the effectiveness of two delivery modes of the Otago Exercise Program: a remotely delivered, home-based smartphone program and an in-person, community-based program.

Specific Aim 2: To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the Otago Exercise Program delivered through both smartphone-based and in-person formats.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I can walk at least 10 meters, with or without help.

I scored at least 18 out of 22 on the MoCA-Blind cognitive test.

I am 55 years old or older and live in the community, not in a care facility.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had a lower limb amputated.

Visual impairment uncorrectable with lenses

I have had spine or leg surgery in the past year.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive the Otago Exercise Program, either remotely via smartphone or in-person, for fall prevention

8 weeks

16 sessions (2 per week)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of frailty and quality of life

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Long-term follow-up

Participants are monitored for injurious falls up to 1 year post-intervention

Up to 1 year

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Otago Exercise Program

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Smartphone In-home Delivery Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In-home 8-week OTAGO program

Group II: Group In-Person Delivery Active Control 1 Intervention

In-Person 8-week Group OTAGO Program

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Binghamton University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

15

Recruited

2,900+