Otago Exercise Program (Title III-D Program)

This is an individually tailored falls prevention exercise program that is delivered in participants’ homes. A trained nurse or physiotherapist provides six home visits during the course of the year-long program, keeping in contact by phone in between visits. Exercises include a series of leg-strengthening, balance-retraining exercises and a walking plan that get progressively more difficult.

  • Program Goals:
  • -Increase strength, balance, and endurance. Lifestyle change to incorporate strength and balance training a minimum of 2 hours per week. RCT demonstrated a 35% reduction in falls in high risk older adults

 

  • Target Audience:
  • -Community-dwelling frail older adults. Most effective for those who are age 80 and over or 65 and older and frail. Can be implemented in the home outpatient, assisted living facilities as well as in the community.

 

  • Program Description:
  • -4-5 visits with a physical therapist (PT) over 8 weeks with monthly phone calls for a year and optional follow-up visits at 6,9, and 12 months
  • -17 exercises total – the PT evaluates the older adult and selects the most appropriate exercises from the 17 to challenge the older adult
  • -The exercises are progressed to continue to challenge the older adult as they improve strength and balance
  • -Adjustable ankle weights are used for 3 of the exercises and weight is progressively increased over the course of the program
  • -The older adult does the exercises for approximately 30 minutes three times a week
  • -When the older adult is strong enough to walk for exercise, a walking program is prescribed and progressed to up to 30 minutes three times a week
  • -The older adult can do their prescribed exercises in the home independently or with assistance, or in a group exercise settings as long as they do their prescribed exercises

 

  • Program Delivery:
  • -The initial evaluation and prescription are done by a licensed physical therapist
  • -The follow up visits can be done by a licensed physical therapy assistant
  • -The follow up phone calls can be done by the PT, a health coach, or other individual who is able to communicate progress to the PT
  • -The exercises can be done independently or supervised in a one on one or group setting

 

Contact information

Reference Material

  • Thomas, S., Mackintosh, S., & Halbert, J.  (2010).  Does the ‘Otago Exercise Programme’ Reduce Mortality and Falls in Older Adults? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.  Age and Aging, 39(6), 681-687.