The effectiveness of group Otago exercise program on physical function in nursing home residents older than 65 years: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: To examine whether the 6-months group-based Otago exercise program is more effective than usual care on physical function and functional independence in nursing home residents older than 65 years. Methods: An observer-blind randomized controlled study included 77 independently walking, cognitively unimpaired residents aged 78.4 +/- 7.6 years, of which 66.2% were female. Physical function was assessed at baseline, after 3 and 6 months of the Otago exercise program by three performance tests: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Chair Rising Test (CRT), and functional independence by the motor Functional Independence Measure (mFIM). Results: Significant within participant effects of time in EG for BBS, TUG and CRT (p < 0.001) and for mFIM (p = 0.010) were found. Between participant effects of groups on BBS, TUG, CRT and mFIM values were not significant. Changes in values of performed three tests regarding physical function were significantly different in EG and CG (p < 0.001), as well as for functional independence test (mFIM) (p = 0.019). In EG the values got better, while in CG values worsened. Effect sizes of change in the EG were higher for BBS, TUG and CRT compared to mFIM. Conclusion: The Otago exercise program was shown as effective in improving balance, functional mobility, lower limbs muscle strength and functional independence, indicating that it could help in slowing of disability progression.