OTAGO Exercise Program for Fall Risk Factors

Overseen By Hiroko Kiyoshi-Teo, PhD, RN

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Oregon Health and Science University

Disqualifiers: Ongoing physical therapy, Acute health issues, Dementia, Other studies, Routine physical activities

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 6 months

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if instructors trained in a communication method called motivational interviewing can help older adults start and maintain an exercise program called OTAGO. The goal is to improve balance and reduce falls, common issues among seniors. Participants receive seven home visits and two phone check-ins over six months to support their exercise routine. This trial suits those aged 60 and over who have fallen in the past year, find it hard to stand without using their hands, worry about falling, or have difficulty with everyday movements like walking a block or climbing stairs. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance senior health and well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the OTAGO Exercise Program is safe for older adults?

Research has shown that the OTAGO Exercise Program is safe for older adults. This program includes exercises designed to improve strength and balance. Studies have found it significantly lowers the risk of falls, a common concern for older individuals. No reports of serious side effects have emerged from participating in the program, indicating it is generally well-tolerated and a safe choice for those seeking to prevent falls. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional fall prevention methods, which often involve medication or assistive devices, the OTAGO Exercise Program focuses on personalized home-based exercise. Researchers are excited about this program because it combines physical exercises with motivational interviewing (MI) to improve adherence and outcomes. This dual approach not only targets physical strength and balance but also encourages participants to stay engaged and committed, potentially leading to more effective fall prevention for older adults.

What evidence suggests that the OTAGO Exercise Program is effective for reducing fall risk factors?

Research has shown that the Otago Exercise Program, which participants in this trial will receive, reduces the risk of falls in older adults. Studies indicate that people in the program experience 35-40% fewer falls. It is particularly beneficial for frail older adults and those with conditions like osteoarthritis. By strengthening the legs, the program helps prevent falls and injuries. Overall, the Otago Exercise Program is a proven method to help older adults maintain stability. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults living in the community who are at risk of falling. Participants should be interested in starting an exercise program to reduce their fall risk and must be able to communicate with instructors.

Inclusion Criteria

I can speak and understand English clearly.

I find it hard to get around outside my home.

I can walk by myself or with help from a device.

Exclusion Criteria

6-item Callahan cognitive assessment over the phone: Patients with scores of 2 or less, positive for dementia criteria, will be excluded

Patients participating in other studies that may impact fall-related behavior change

Participants engaged in routine moderate or vigorous physical activities that require lower extremity balance and strength (e.g., >100 minutes/week for more than 3 months)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive OTAGO exercise instruction and motivational interviewing during home visits

6 months

7 home visits, 2 phone-based check-ins

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for continued engagement in fall prevention behaviors

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• OTAGO Exercise Program

Trial Overview The study tests if OTAGO Exercise Program instructors trained in motivational interviewing can improve adherence among older adults to a fall prevention exercise regimen, potentially enhancing its effectiveness.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

OTAGO exercise home visits will be offered 7 times with 2 phone-based check-ins during the 6-month period. As part of OTAGO home visits, participants will receive OTAGO exercise instruction and MI. Each home visit will be approximately an hour.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Oregon Health and Science University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,024

Recruited

7,420,000+

Oregon Wellness Network

Collaborator

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Otago exercise programme (OEP) significantly reduces the risk of death in older adults (aged 65+) living in the community, with a risk ratio of 0.45 over 12 months based on a review of seven trials involving 1503 participants.

The OEP also significantly lowers fall rates, with an incidence rate ratio of 0.68, indicating it is effective in preventing falls, although it does not significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries from falls.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does the 'Otago exercise programme' reduce mortality and falls in older adults?: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thomas, S., Mackintosh, S., Halbert, J.[2022]

The Otago exercise program significantly reduced the average number of falls among 30 older adults in assisted living, from 1.4 falls per person per year to 0.5 falls after the intervention.

Participants also showed a notable improvement in mobility, with Tinetti POMA scores increasing from 11.8 to 17.6, indicating enhanced balance and strength.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Examining the Effects of an Otago-Based Home Exercise Program on Falls and Fall Risks in an Assisted Living Facility. Beato, M., Dawson, N., Svien, L., et al.[2020]

The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) significantly improved functional mobility and balance in 210 older adults over an 8-week period, as evidenced by dramatic improvements in tests like the Timed Up-and-Go and 30-Second Chair Rise (p < .001).

Participants reported enhanced self-perceived functional performance, indicating that the OEP is effective not only in objective measures but also in how older adults feel about their mobility and balance after the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Disseminating the Otago Exercise Program in the United States: Perceived and Actual Physical Performance Improvements From Participants. Shubert, TE., Smith, ML., Jiang, L., et al.[2021]

The Otago exercise program effectively reduces falls and improves balance, strength, mobility, and health-related quality of life for older adults, whether they are living in the community or in institutions.

Group-based Otago exercise programs may yield better outcomes compared to individual sessions, highlighting the potential benefits of social interaction during exercise for older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Otago Exercise Program on Physical and Psychosocial Functions Among Community-Dwelling and Institutionalized Older Adults: A Scoping Review. Mgbeojedo, UG., Akosile, CO., Okoye, EC., et al.[2023]

Citations

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

The impact of Otago exercise programme on ... In the study on fall prevention of stroke patients, an OEP plan can significantly improve the lower limb strength of stroke patients and reduce the risk of ...

2. 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 ...

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

The Otago Exercise Program's effect on fall prevention High-quality evidence supports the effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Program in reducing fall risk among individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) (46). ...

4. 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 ...

5. med.unc.edu med.unc.edu/aging/cgwep/wp-content/uploads/sites/865/2024/04/Otago-Guide-for-PT_April-2024-update.pdf

Tools to Implement the Otago Exercise Program Trial Results Summary and Lessons Learned​​ The Otago Exercise Program can reduce falls and fall related injuries. The program was most effective for adults 80 ...

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

The Otago Exercise Program's effect on fall prevention This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) in fall prevention between generally healthy older adults and those with ...

7. physio-pedia.com physio-pedia.com/Otago_Exercise_Programme

Otago Exercise Programme Falls among people participating in the Otago were reduced by 30% to 66% when compared to controls who were not doing Otago exercises. · After one year, injuries ...

8. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07061106

Otago and Kitchen Sink Balance Exercises on Strength ... The Otago Exercise Program is a fall prevention well designed program for older adults. It includes 17 strength and balance exercises and a ...

9. ncoa.org ncoa.org/article/the-otago-exercise-program-an-effective-way-to-prevent-falls/

How to Prevent Falls with the Otago Exercise Program The Otago Exercise Program is effective at helping older adults build strength and sharpen balance skills, lowering their risk of falling.