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Effects of Otago Exercise Program Vs Blind Folded Exercise on Falls, Balance and Quality of Life in Geriatric Population.
Sponsor: Ibadat International University, Islamabad
Summary
As people age, maintaining balance can become more difficult, which increases the risk of dangerous falls. This clinical study aims to compare two different physical therapy programs to see which one is more effective at improving balance, reducing the frequency of falls, and enhancing the overall quality of life for older adults (aged 60 and older). The first program is the Otago Exercise Program (OEP), which is a well-established, widely used routine focused on leg strengthening and active balance exercises. The second program is Blindfolded Exercise (BFE), which uses a safety harness or support bars while participants perform balance movements with their eyes covered. Temporarily removing vision forces the brain and body to rely more heavily on inner-ear balance systems (vestibular) and muscle/joint awareness (proprioception) to stay upright. A total of 40 participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two exercise groups. Both groups will attend 30- to 45-minute physical therapy sessions, 3 times a week, for a total of 6 weeks. Researchers will assess participants' balance, walking speed, and overall quality of life at the beginning, middle, and end of the study to determine if sensory-deprived training (blindfolded) or muscle-strengthening training (Otago) offers better protection against falls.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
60 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-05-07
Completion Date
2026-07-14
Last Updated
2026-09-01
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Otago Exercise Program (OEP)
A 6-week progressive exercise program performed 3 times per week (30-45 minutes per session). It includes specific lower-limb muscle-strengthening exercises using progressive ankle weights (500g to 1kg) and progressive static/dynamic balance training (e.g., tandem walking, backward walking, sit-to-stand transitions).
Blindfolded Exercise (BFE)
A 6-week sensory-reweighting balance program performed 3 times per week (30-45 minutes per session) with participants wearing a blindfold to eliminate visual cues. Exercises progress from wide-base supported stances to narrow-base and single-leg unsupported stances, conducted using strict safety measures (e.g., parallel bars, safety harnesses, and knee stabilizers).
Locations (1)
Physioworks
Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan