The effectiveness of a video-supported group-based Otago exercise programme on physical performance in community-dwelling older adults: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the short-term effects of a video-supported group-based Otago exercise programme (OEP) on physical performance variables in independent community-dwelling older adults.

DESIGN: Preliminary randomized controlled trial.

SETTING: Local senior centre.

PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-one adults aged 65 and older with no cognitive impairment.

INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG) or to the control group (CG). During 4 months, IG participants performed the exercise routine.

MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measure was the Timed 'Up-and-Go' test (TUG). Secondary outcome measurements included functional balance, one-leg balance, lower-limb function and aerobic endurance. All data were collected before and after intervention.

RESULTS: TUG scores showed a significant reduction in the performance time in the IG compared to CG after intervention [IG 7.5 (2.0) vs CG 8.8 (1.9), mean difference -1.3seconds, 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference -2.3 to -0.1; P=0.03]. Secondary outcomes also showed a significant improvement in the performance of the functional balance [IG 54.9 (2.5) vs CG 51.4 (5.3), mean difference 3.5 points, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.8; P=0.003], one-leg balance [IG 39.1 (21.6) vs CG 15.6 (12.1), mean difference 23.5seconds, 95% CI 13.3 to 33.7; P<0.001] and lower extremity strength [IG 8.7 (3.8) vs CG 10.9 (3.3), mean difference -2.2seconds, 95% CI -4.2 to -0.1; P=0.035] in the IG compared to CG.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that, from a short-term perspective, a video-supported group-based OEP programme can significantly improve the levels of mobility, functional balance, one-leg balance and lower extremity strength in community-dwelling older adults.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClincicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02218411.