Effect of Otago and Tai Chi Exercise Programs on Balance and Risk of Falls in Elderly Men

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 PhD candidates Department of Pathology and Corrective exercise, Faculty of physical education and sport sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. Faculty member Department of physical education and sport sciences,

2 Professor, Department of Pathology and Corrective exercise, Department of Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

3 Associate professor, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aims: Design and effectiveness of training programs in order to reduce the risk of falls and improve balance in older people is considered by many researchers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Otago and Tai Chi exercise programs on balance and risk of falling in elderly men.
Materials and Methods: In the current study, 36 elderly men were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and then randomly divided into three groups: Otago exercise, tai chi, and control. Measurement of balance was done using the center of mass displacement and measure of risk of falling was performed using Falls Efficacy Scale-International questionnaire before and after the training program. The participants took Tai Chi and Otago training programs for eight weeks. Displacement of the center of mass was calculated using kinematic data and was recorded using the motion analysis system camera in a standing position.
Results: The results of analysis of variance with repeated measures showed that the risk of falling scores and balance index before and after the training programs in the two intervention groups were statistically different. Such inter-group analysis showed that, compared to Tai Chi exercises, Otago exercises have greater impacts on the balance index and risk of falling scores.
Conclusion: According to the results, the difference in the risk of falling scores and balance index before and after the training programs in the two intervention groups were statistically significant. Such inter-group analysis showed that, compared with Tai Chi exercises, Otago exercise, has greater impact on the balance index and risk of falling scores.

Keywords

Main Subjects


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Volume 8, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
April 2019
Pages 156-164
  • Receive Date: 12 September 2018
  • Revise Date: 25 October 2018
  • Accept Date: 05 November 2018
  • First Publish Date: 21 March 2019