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

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. 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. 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. 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.