AgedNCT07380282
Additional Effects of Strength Training With Otago Exercises on Actual and Perceived Balance in Older Adults
A study testing Otago Exercise with Strengthening exercise and Otago Exercise Program in people with Aged and Postural Balance, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study, titled "Additional Effects of Strength Training with Otago Exercises on Actual and Perceived Balance in Older Adults", explores strategies to reduce fall risks in the elderly. Falls are a major health concern, often causing injuries, loss of mobility, and reduced quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Aged, Postural Balance, Exercise Therapy
- What is being tested?
- Otago Exercise with Strengthening exercise and Otago Exercise Program
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 13 Sep 2024to 10 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 60 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Older adults aged 60 years and above.
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 24 or higher (sufficient cognitive ability to participate).
- Individuals able to ambulate independently or with minimal assistance (e.g., cane).
- Those who have not participated in a structured balance or strengthening program in the past 3 months.
- Participants able to provide informed consent and adhere to the intervention protocol.
Who cannot join
- Severe musculoskeletal or neurological conditions limiting mobility (e.g., advanced arthritis, stroke with significant residual deficits).
- Sensory disabilities affecting vision, hearing, or vestibular function.
- Structural defects in extremities.
- Fracture in the past year.
- Unstable systemic pathology, recent surgery, or cancer diagnosis/treatment within the past 6 months
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, 44000
About this study
This study, titled "Additional Effects of Strength Training with Otago Exercises on Actual and Perceived Balance in Older Adults", explores strategies to reduce fall risks in the elderly. Falls are a major health concern, often causing injuries, loss of mobility, and reduced quality of life. The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) has been proven effective in improving lower-limb strength and balance, but it primarily focuses on these areas without addressing overall muscle strengthening.
The research aims to assess whether integrating additional strength training with OEP can enhance both actual balance (measured through static and dynamic stability tests) and perceived balance (confidence in avoiding falls). Using a randomized controlled trial, 34 participants aged 60 and above will be recruited and divided into two groups: one receiving OEP alone, and the other combining OEP with structured strength training. Tools such as the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Fall Efficacy Scale, and CONFbal Scale will measure outcomes.
The intervention will last eight weeks, with progressive resistance and balance tasks. Findings are expected to demonstrate improved mobility, reduced fear of falling, and greater confidence among participants receiving combined training. This research addresses a significant gap in geriatric rehabilitation and aims to inform cost-effective, evidence-based strategies for fall prevention, ultimately enhancing independence and quality of life in older adults.
Read the detailed description
Falls among older adults represent a critical public health issue, often resulting in injuries, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. Globally, up to 35% of people over 65 experience falls annually, with risk increasing as age advances. The major contributors are muscle weakness and impaired balance, often linked to sarcopenia, an age-related decline in muscle mass and strength. These deficits compromise postural stability, mobility, and coordination, increasing vulnerability to recurrent falls and associated complications.
The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is a recognized intervention for fall prevention, focusing on lower-limb strengthening and balance training. Evidence shows it reduces fall rates significantly, yet its scope remains limited to balance and limb strength, overlooking broader muscular demands. Integrating structured strength training with OEP may enhance outcomes by improving static and dynamic stability, muscle power, and confidence in daily tasks. Addressing both physical and psychological factors, such an approach can reduce fall-related injuries, foster independence, and improve quality of life in older adults.
- Conditions
- Aged, Postural Balance, Exercise Therapy, Muscle Strength, Resistance Training, Fall Prevention
- Being tested
- Otago Exercise with Strengthening exercise, Otago Exercise Program
- Keywords
- Older adults, Falls prevention, Otago Exercise Program, Strength training, Balance confidence, Postural stability, actual balance, perceived balance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Otago Exercise with Strengthening exerciseProcedure or surgery
The experimental group participated in an 8-week training program, conducted three times per week with 30-45-minute sessions. Each session began with a 5-10 minute warm-up, including dynamic stretching, marching in place, and joint mobility exercises. The program included progressive strength and balance training, starting with light or no resistance and gradually increasing to moderate-high intensity (45-75% of 1RM). Exercises included seated leg extensions, standing leg curls, sit-to-stand, heel raises, step-ups, wall push-ups, and functional movements such as sideways walking, backward walking, and obstacle walking. Balance training involved static and dynamic tasks, including tandem stance, single-leg stance, functional reach, and dynamic walking with turns. Exercise intensity and complexity progressed throughout the program while maintaining safe rest intervals. Each session concluded with a 5-10 minute cool-down, consisting of lower-limb stretching (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves
Otago Exercise ProgramProcedure or surgery
The training program was conducted three times a week, with 30-45-minute sessions. Each session began with a 5-7 minute warm-up (marching in place, ankle circles, shoulder rolls). During Weeks 1-2, participants performed sit-to-stand, heel raises, and seated knee extensions (2 × 10), along with sideways walking (5 m, 2-3 reps) and static balance progressing from feet together to tandem stance. In Weeks 3-4, difficulty increased with sit-to-stand (3 × 10), heel-to-toe walking (5 m), backward walking (3-5 m), single-leg stance (10-15 s), and step-ups (2 × 10). During Weeks 5-6, exercises included wall push-ups, heel raises on a step, dynamic walking with 180° turns, functional reach, and eyes-closed balance tasks. In Weeks 7-8, advanced balance tasks were added, including weighted sit-to-stand, single-leg stance with arm movements, obstacle walking, higher step-ups, and dynamic tandem walking. Each session ended with a 5-7 minute cool-down of lower-limb stretching and breathing exercises
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Otago with strengthening exercise | Experimental | The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is an evidence-based fall-prevention program designed for older adults, focusing on improving strength, balance, and mobility. It emphasizes lower-limb strengthening of key muscle groups such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip abductors, and ankle muscles through exercises like seated leg extensions, heel raises, sit-to-stand, and standing leg curls. The balance component includes static and dynamic activities such as tandem walking, single-leg stance, sideways walking, backward walking, and stair stepping, with gradual progression to safely challenge postural control. In this study, strengthening exercises are integrated with the OEP to enhance overall effectiveness. The program is delivered three times per week, with each session lasting 40-45 minutes over an 8-week period. This combined intervention aims to improve balance, reduce fall risk, and increase confidence during daily functional activities among older adults. Receives: Procedure: Otago Exercise with Strengthening exercise |
| Otago | Other | Otago exercise plan is comprisedset of 14 exercises including strengthening and balance exercises. The strenghtening exercises include strengthening of Knee Flexors, Knee Extensors, Hip-abductors Ankle dorsiflexors and ankle planter flexors and the balance exercises include following activities: Knee Bends Backward Walking, Walking and Turning Around, Sideways Walking, Tandem Stance, Tandem Walk, One Leg stance, Heel Walking, Toe Walking, Heel toe walk backwards, Sit to stand, Stair Walking These exercises will be performed for a duration 6 weeks and will be performed thrice for a period of 40/50 minutes Receives: Procedure: Otago Exercise Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Actual Balance
The 1st primary outcome is the improvement in actual balance Berg Balance Scale (BBS) Score range: 0-56
Cut-off values:
- 41-56 Low fall risk
- 21-40 Medium fall risk
- 0-20 High fall risk < 45 = Increased risk of falls
Measured: 8 weeks
Functional Reach
Functional Reach Test Measured in centimeters (cm)
Cut-off values:
- > 25 cm Low fall risk
- 15-25 cm Moderate fall risk
- < 15 cm High fall risk < 18.5 cm = Increased fall risk in older adults
Measured: 8 Weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Perceived balance
: Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I) Score range: 16-64
Cut-off values:
- 16-19 Low concern about falling
- 20-27 Moderate concern
- 28-64 High concern / high fall risk
Measured: 8 weeks
Perceived Balance
CONFbal scale
Cut-off value:
- < 67% → High risk of falling
- ≥ 67% → Low risk of falling Widely used for community-dwelling older adults
Measured: 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Feb 2026
- Study start13 Sep 2024
- Primary completion10 Dec 2025
- Study completion10 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for AgedStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Foundation University IslamabadThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07380282
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/17
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 2 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Additional Effects of Strength Training With Otago Exercises on Actual and Perceived Balance in Older Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07380282
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/17
- Conditions
- Aged, Postural Balance, Exercise Therapy, Muscle Strength, Resistance Training, Fall Prevention
- Keywords
- Older adults, Falls prevention, Otago Exercise Program, Strength training, Balance confidence, Postural stability, actual balance, perceived balance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study, titled "Additional Effects of Strength Training with Otago Exercises on Actual and Perceived Balance in Older Adults", explores strategies to reduce fall risks in the elderly. Falls are a major health concern, often causing injuries, loss of mobility, and reduced quality of life. The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) has been proven effective in improving lower-limb strength and balance, but it primarily focuses on these areas without addressing overall muscle strengthening.
The research aims to assess whether integrating additional strength training with OEP can enhance both actual balance (measured through static and dynamic stability tests) and perceived balance (confidence in avoiding falls). Using a randomized controlled trial, 34 participants aged 60 and above will be recruited and divided into two groups: one receiving OEP alone, and the other combining OEP with structured strength training. Tools such as the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Fall Efficacy Scale, and CONFbal Scale will measure outcomes.
The intervention will last eight weeks, with progressive resistance and balance tasks. Findings are expected to demonstrate improved mobility, reduced fear of falling, and greater confidence among participants receiving combined training. This research addresses a significant gap in geriatric rehabilitation and aims to inform cost-effective, evidence-based strategies for fall prevention, ultimately enhancing independence and quality of life in older adults.
Detailed description
Falls among older adults represent a critical public health issue, often resulting in injuries, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. Globally, up to 35% of people over 65 experience falls annually, with risk increasing as age advances. The major contributors are muscle weakness and impaired balance, often linked to sarcopenia, an age-related decline in muscle mass and strength. These deficits compromise postural stability, mobility, and coordination, increasing vulnerability to recurrent falls and associated complications.
The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is a recognized intervention for fall prevention, focusing on lower-limb strengthening and balance training. Evidence shows it reduces fall rates significantly, yet its scope remains limited to balance and limb strength, overlooking broader muscular demands. Integrating structured strength training with OEP may enhance outcomes by improving static and dynamic stability, muscle power, and confidence in daily tasks. Addressing both physical and psychological factors, such an approach can reduce fall-related injuries, foster independence, and improve quality of life in older adults.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Otago with strengthening exercise | Experimental | Procedure: Otago Exercise with Strengthening exerciseThe Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is an evidence-based fall-prevention program designed for older adults, focusing on improving strength, balance, and mobility. It emphasizes lower-limb strengthening of key muscle groups such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip abductors, and ankle muscles through exercises like seated leg extensions, heel raises, sit-to-stand, and standing leg curls. The balance component includes static and dynamic activities such as tandem walking, single-leg stance, sideways walking, backward walking, and stair stepping, with gradual progression to safely challenge postural control. In this study, strengthening exercises are integrated with the OEP to enhance overall effectiveness. The program is delivered three times per week, with each session lasting 40-45 minutes over an 8-week period. This combined intervention aims to improve balance, reduce fall risk, and increase confidence during daily functional activities among older adults. |
| Otago | Other | Procedure: Otago Exercise ProgramOtago exercise plan is comprisedset of 14 exercises including strengthening and balance exercises. The strenghtening exercises include strengthening of Knee Flexors, Knee Extensors, Hip-abductors Ankle dorsiflexors and ankle planter flexors and the balance exercises include following activities: Knee Bends Backward Walking, Walking and Turning Around, Sideways Walking, Tandem Stance, Tandem Walk, One Leg stance, Heel Walking, Toe Walking, Heel toe walk backwards, Sit to stand, Stair Walking These exercises will be performed for a duration 6 weeks and will be performed thrice for a period of 40/50 minutes |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Older adults aged 60 years and above.
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 24 or higher (sufficient cognitive ability to participate).
- Individuals able to ambulate independently or with minimal assistance (e.g., cane).
- Those who have not participated in a structured balance or strengthening program in the past 3 months.
- Participants able to provide informed consent and adhere to the intervention protocol.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Severe musculoskeletal or neurological conditions limiting mobility (e.g., advanced arthritis, stroke with significant residual deficits).
- Sensory disabilities affecting vision, hearing, or vestibular function.
- Structural defects in extremities.
- Fracture in the past year.
- Unstable systemic pathology, recent surgery, or cancer diagnosis/treatment within the past 6 months
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Otago Exercise with Strengthening exerciseThe experimental group participated in an 8-week training program, conducted three times per week with 30-45-minute sessions. Each session began with a 5-10 minute warm-up, including dynamic stretching, marching in place, and joint mobility exercises. The program included progressive strength and balance training, starting with light or no resistance and gradually increasing to moderate-high intensity (45-75% of 1RM). Exercises included seated leg extensions, standing leg curls, sit-to-stand, heel raises, step-ups, wall push-ups, and functional movements such as sideways walking, backward walking, and obstacle walking. Balance training involved static and dynamic tasks, including tandem stance, single-leg stance, functional reach, and dynamic walking with turns. Exercise intensity and complexity progressed throughout the program while maintaining safe rest intervals. Each session concluded with a 5-10 minute cool-down, consisting of lower-limb stretching (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves | Procedure or surgery | Otago with strengthening exercise |
| Otago Exercise ProgramThe training program was conducted three times a week, with 30-45-minute sessions. Each session began with a 5-7 minute warm-up (marching in place, ankle circles, shoulder rolls). During Weeks 1-2, participants performed sit-to-stand, heel raises, and seated knee extensions (2 × 10), along with sideways walking (5 m, 2-3 reps) and static balance progressing from feet together to tandem stance. In Weeks 3-4, difficulty increased with sit-to-stand (3 × 10), heel-to-toe walking (5 m), backward walking (3-5 m), single-leg stance (10-15 s), and step-ups (2 × 10). During Weeks 5-6, exercises included wall push-ups, heel raises on a step, dynamic walking with 180° turns, functional reach, and eyes-closed balance tasks. In Weeks 7-8, advanced balance tasks were added, including weighted sit-to-stand, single-leg stance with arm movements, obstacle walking, higher step-ups, and dynamic tandem walking. Each session ended with a 5-7 minute cool-down of lower-limb stretching and breathing exercises | Procedure or surgery | Otago |
Primary outcome
Actual Balance
Time frame: 8 weeks
The 1st primary outcome is the improvement in actual balance Berg Balance Scale (BBS) Score range: 0-56 Cut-off values: * 41-56 Low fall risk * 21-40 Medium fall risk * 0-20 High fall risk < 45 = Increased risk of falls
Functional Reach
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Functional Reach Test Measured in centimeters (cm) Cut-off values: * > 25 cm Low fall risk * 15-25 cm Moderate fall risk * < 15 cm High fall risk < 18.5 cm = Increased fall risk in older adults
2 secondary outcomes
Perceived balance
Time frame: 8 weeks
Perceived Balance
Time frame: 8 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Feb 2026.
Related trials for Aged
Active, not recruiting
Streamlined Geriatric and Oncological Evaluation Based On IC Technology
Breast Cancer, Comorbidities and Coexisting Conditions
Recruiting
Colon-delivered Riboflavin and Gut Microbiota Composition
Microbiome Dysbiosis, Gut Health
RecruitingPhase 3
Study to Assess the Efficacy, Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Atrasentan in Pediatric Patients With Primary IgAN
Berger Disease, Bergers Disease
RecruitingObservational study
VIRal Pulmonary Infections in Older AGE
Viral Pulmonary Infections
Not yet recruiting
Bispectral Index-Guided Propofol Sedation During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Deep Sedation, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Otago Exercise with Strengthening exercise and Otago Exercise Program in people with Aged and Postural Balance, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Actual Balance (time frame: 8 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Feb 2026.