Original article / research
Effect of Otago Exercise Program versus Yoga on Risk of Fall, Gait Speed and Quality of Life in Young-old Population: A Randomised Clinical Trial
YC05-YC10
Correspondence
Anil Rachappa Muragod,
Professor and Head, Department of Geriatric Physiotherapy, JNMC Campus, KAHER Institute of Physiotherapy, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: anilmuragod@klekipt.edu.in
Introduction: Ageing results in degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal, vascular, and nervous systems, leading to reduced mobility, postural instability, and loss of independence. These changes increase Risk of Fall (RoF)- a major cause of morbidity in older adults- and negatively impact gait speed and Quality of Life (QoL). Exercise interventions like the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) and yoga improve balance, mobility, and well-being; however, comparative evidence in Indian community settings, particularly among the “young-old” (65-74 years), remains limited.
Aim: To compare the effects of OEP and yoga on RoF, gait speed and QoL in the young-old population.
Materials and Methods: The present randomised clinical trial was conducted in Belagavi, Karnataka, India (July 2024–February 2025) with 48 participants (65-74 years), randomised into Group A (OEP) and Group B (yoga), 24 in each group. Both groups received thrice-weekly sessions (30 min) for four weeks. Outcomes included Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire - Brief (OPQOL-Brief) at baseline, week 2, and week 4. Analysis used SPSS 23 with p<0.05.
Results: Both groups improved significantly in balance, mobility, and QoL (p<0.001). Group A improved BBS from 49.45±2.47 to 54.63±1.47 and TUG from 15.84±1.74 to 11.70±1.02 sec. Group B improved BBS from 48.63±2.67 to 52.59±1.58 and TUG from 16.09±1.68 to 12.50±1.05 sec. QoL improved in both groups, with yoga showing an early advantage at week 2 (p=0.029), not sustained at week 4.
Conclusion: Both OEP and yoga improved RoF gait speed, and QoL. OEP provided greater gains in balance and mobility, whereas yoga offered early QoL improvements.