Exercise Programs

Exercise Programs

Otago Exercise Program

Otago Exercise Program

Individually prescribed home exercise program comprising:

• Balance retraining
• Lower limb muscle strengthening
• Walking.

Program Effectiveness:

• Four trials – falls reduced 35%, rate of injuries reduced by 35%.
• Most effective in 80+ age bracket and in those with a history of falls.

Tai Chi Group Sessions

• Group fitness class of Tai Chi has shown to significantly reduce falls however not as effective with frail older people
• One 60 min Tai Chi class for 16 weeks was effective in reducing falls by 33%.
• The age range was 60-96 years recruited through a newspaper advertisement
• Meta analysis of other group interventions reported the best results were gained from programs that included a higher challenge with balance and a higher dose of exercise but did not include walking.

Less walking equated to more time dedicated to balancing activities.

QLD Stay On Your Feet Program

Queensland Health

Individual Resources:

• Individual checklist – fall history, medication, exercise history, balance & walking, vision health conditions and healthy eating.
• Keep yourself safe
• Improve balance and strength
• Common hazards in the home
• Ageing with vitality workbooks.

A large amount of information for professional and service providers with a pathway provided covering the areas of:

Investigation

• Information on falls and falls prevention identify existing stakeholders and services
• Assess readiness to take action.

Action

• Prioritise evidence-based strategies
• Engage stakeholders
• Develop plan of action and how to measure success
• Decide how to communicate.

Implement

• Test before you act
• Trial proposed strategies and resources with stakeholders
• Implement action plan
• Monitor progress and adjust as necessary
• Communicate progress with stakeholders.

Review

• Measure the impact of action
• Measure the outcomes
• Share results
• Consider the next steps.

Stepping On Program

NSW Office of Preventative Health

• A free community health program
• 65 +yrs, living n NSW, able to walk independently, fearful of falling or had a recent fall
• 7-week program, 2-hour weekly group session – strength & balance, safe footwear, medication management, vision, nutrition, moving safely in the community and reducing hazards in the home environment
• Individual follow-up and can attend a booster session after 2 months
• Fall reduction – 31%
• The program not suitable for people with dementia or neuromuscular conditions.