Effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Programme in falls reduction among community-dwelling older people in Southeast Asia: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

@#BACKGROUND: Falls are common in older people and a leading cause of injury. Exercise programmes are available for falls prevention, including the Otago Exercise Programme (OEP). The Southeast Asia region has a rapidly ageing population with unique aspects to consider in falls prevention. This systematic review aims to explore the effectiveness of OEP in Southeast Asia for falls prevention. METHODS: A literature search conducted in April 2020 of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify randomised controlled trials on OEP in Southeast Asia. RESULTS: Three studies met inclusion criteria for the systematic review. The studies in Malaysia and Thailand did not identify any differences in the rate of falls with the modified OEP intervention compared to conventional treatment. The study from Indonesia inferred a reduced fall risk with improved Timed Up and Go with the intervention, but did not quantify fall rates. CONCLUSION: The three studies identified used a modified OEP, with limited evidence of efficacy or reduction in fall rates. Further research is required, particularly randomized controlled trials to evaluate OEP for falls prevention in Southeast Asia.