Comparison of the effect of Otago and Fall proof training programs on balance, ankle proprioception and fear of falling in elderly men with a history of falling

Aging is a natural and inevitable thing that affects all biological and psychological aspects of a person. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of Otago and Fall proof exercise programs on balance, ankle proprioception and fear of falling in elderly men with a history of falling. 36 elderly men with a history of falling were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to a control group and two exercise groups. Static and dynamic balance were assessed by Sharpand-Romberg and Timed Up and Go test, ankle proprioception using a goniometer, and fear of falling with the help of the International Fall Efficiency Questionnaire. The Otago and Fall proof exercises were carried out by the training group for eight weeks. After the exercises, the post-test was performed. covariance analysis was used to analyze the data. The results of the research showed that eight weeks of Otago and Fall Proof exercises have a significant effect on improving static and dynamic balance, ankle proprioception and fear of falling. In the comparison between the exercises, the Otago exercises had a greater effect on the components. According to the results of the research, the use of Otago exercises is suggested to therapists and occupational therapists to improve the balance and performance of elderly people due to their greater effectiveness than fall-proof exercises.